ACB Takes Action Against Illegal Mining Racket in Rajasthan
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a significant case in Jaipur. This case targets multiple government officials, lease holders, and contractors. They face serious allegations of passing off illegal mining activities as legal operations. This fraudulent activity has caused considerable revenue loss to the state government.
Who is Named in the Case?
The ACB's list includes several key individuals. Mining engineers and surveyors employed by the government are named. Private lease holders and owners of stone crusher machines also appear on the list. The bureau acted on specific directions from its headquarters.
These directions followed a detailed complaint about large-scale mining irregularities. The complaint specifically highlighted the Bharatpur region. It pointed to the widespread misuse of official mining permits in that area.
How Did the Illegal Operation Work?
A preliminary investigation uncovered a clear conspiracy. Government officials and private entities allegedly worked together. Their goal was to bypass standard mining regulations and avoid royalty payments.
Investigators found a clever, illegal method in use. Permits for inactive or closed mining leases were being reused. Department employees and private operators connived to reactivate these permits. They then used them to extract minerals illegally, without proper authorization or payment.
The Scale of the Loss
The financial impact on the state is severe. The bureau estimates that lakhs of tonnes of mineral resources were illegally excavated. This large-scale theft represents a significant loss for the state exchequer. Public funds have been directly affected by this corruption.
ACB officials confirmed that investigations are actively continuing. The probe aims to determine the full extent of the illegal mining. Authorities want to identify all beneficiaries involved in the scam. A crucial task is to calculate the exact quantum of revenue loss suffered by the government.
The case is registered under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. This legal action underscores a serious crackdown on corruption within the mining sector.
