By IANS,
Bhubaneswar: A central commission probing allegations of illegal mining in several mineral-rich states Monday said it has found prima-facie evidence of illegal mining in Odisha which would not have been possible without the involvement of officials.
“Without the connivance of the bureaucrats it would not have been possible,” retired Supreme Court judge M.B. Shah, head of the panel, told reporters here.
The eight-member commission led by him has been in the state since Friday. The panel during their stay visited several mines, held meetings with officials and conducted public hearings of the stakeholders.
He said the illegal mining took place mainly because there was a boom in exports and high prices of iron ore. As a result more and more people entered into trading and were benefited.
Responding to a question if he has found any evidence regarding the involvement of any politicians, he said the commission has not received any such information.