Bengaluru, May 16: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing illegal mining cases in the state has arrested senior IAS officer Ganga Ram Baderiya, secretary (Bhoomi and UPOR), revenue department, for his alleged role in the case involving Janthakal Mining Company.
In 2006-07, Baderiya was the director of the mines and geology department when he allegedly issued licences for mining without clearance from the environment and forest department.
He also allegedly allowed export of ores beyond the permitted quantity. Charan Reddy, inspector general of police, SIT, said Baderiya was arrested for using forged government documents to issue mining licences in 2007. Sources said during his tenure as director, Baderiya had allegedly allowed Janthakal to lift iron ore from the dumpyards in Chitradurga.
It is said forest department officers filed a case with local police alleging the mines department had allowed Janthakal to lift iron ore from the leased area based on a forged copy of clearance from the ministry of environment and forests (MoEF).
Later, the case was transferred to the SIT on the orders of the state government. According to Reddy, during the same time when Baderiya was handling the Janthakal illegal mining case, a cheque of 10 lakh was deposited in his son's name. Based on this evidence, Baderiya was picked up by SIT sleuths on Monday.
Background
The mining lease in Hirekandawadi and Tanigehalli villages in Holalkere was granted in 1965 in favour of Raghavendra Rao. Janthakal Enterprises claimed that the lease was transferred to it in 1967. On August 23, 2007, through two notifications, the lease was renewed for 40 years, from 1985 to 2005 and from 2005 to 2025 and permission was also given to lift and transport iron ore.
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