Karnataka's minister for tourism and mining magnate Janardhan Reddy has decided to hang his boots as an industrialist for good.
The decision is interesting, considering that the Lokayukta of Karnataka Justice N Santosh Hegde is all set to submit his explosive report on illegal mining in the state.
Justice Hegde told rediff.com that this decision by the minister would not have any bearing on his report.
"I do not know whether it is a threat to quit mining or he is trying to be good. It really does not matter as it would have absolutely no impact on my report," Justice Hegde said.
Justice Hegde, however, refused to divulge details of the probe and said that many politicians and officials are likely to be named in his report.
"Earlier I was to submit the report by the end of this month, but it would be possible only by mid-April. There are many other agencies probing the same issue and we just need a bit more time to re-check facts, re-verify and also corroborate them. There are plenty of issues which need to be corroborated and once this is done, the report will be out," he said.
"This issue would mainly focus on the loss the state exchequer had incurred due to illegal mining. However, I would not want to speculate on the amount as of now and only the final report would give you those details," Justice Hegde added.
"I really cannot say what action the government of Karnataka would take on my report. My first report ran into 1600 pages and today it has gone to the waste paper basket. Let us wait and see what they will do about this report," he noted.
"I am trying to submit the report as early as possible. I would want to be in office when the report is out. I am aware there are bound to be accusations and complaints regarding the report, and hence it is very important that I am in office to react to all this," Justice Hegde further pointed out.
The earlier report of the Lokayukta had pointed out various illegalities which the Karnataka government did not act upon. It clearly stated that miners were earning Rs 5,000 per tonne, but the state only got Rs 27 out of this.
The report also dealt with the manner in which ore was being illegally transported and also the health hazards the people faced due to this issue.
Further, the report also stated that there was a great deal of danger to the forest cover in Karnataka due to illegal mining.
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