Hyderabad, November 13: The Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) Chief, Mr K Chiranjeevi, demanded the State Government to order a CBI probe into the allegations of illegal mining operations by Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC).
Mr Chiranjeevi met the Chief Minister, Mr K Rosaiah at his residence today and submitted a memorandum in this regard.
Speaking to media persons on the occasion, Mr Chiranjeevi said that there were widespread corruption allegations on leasing of mines to OMC and it had caused a loss of thousands of crores of rupees to the State exchequer. Keeping in mind the interests of the State and if he was serious on this issue, the Chief Minister should order a CBI investigation into the matter. The mines and minerals were natural resources of the State and they were people’s property. The Government had the responsibility to protect them, he added.
He opined that the mines leased out to OMC should be nationalized in the larger interest of the people. He urged the Chief Minister to immediately cancel the mine leases given to OMC. Terming the three–member committee setup by the government as an eye wash, he averred that the committee would not serve any purpose. A committee with Central officials should be constituted to investigate the matter. Only this would ensure impartiality in the investigation, he added.
The PRP supremo warned that his party would take up agitation on the OMC issue, if the Government failed to react positively to their demands. The Chief Minister responded positively to his request, but it should be implemented, he maintained. (NSS)