Deputy Commissioner S R Uma Shankar informed at a press meet recently that 9770 metric tonne of iron ore was seized through the raids conducted by the end of January 2007-08, by the Mobile Squad team, that was created under the District-level Special Working Force Committee.

The ore was mined illegally in   Chikkanayakanahalli, Tiptur and Gubbi taluks in the district.

Rs 56,66,800 that was collected from auctioning the ore has been deposited in the State exchequer.

Action has been taken to auction 3,442 metric tonne of ore that was illegally mined in Kathrikeyal, Janehar, Gollarahalli in Chikkanayakanahalli taluk and Kenchagavahalli in Gubbi taluk, added Mr Uma Shankar.

In addition to this 6 vehicles illegally transporting 185 tonne of iron ore from Harenahalli in Gubbi taluk has been seized, also a case with regard to the same has been registered in the Gubbi Police station, he informed.

Moreover, a fine of Rs 1,50,000 has been slapped on five vehicles illegally transporting ore near Yagachikatte in Tiptur taluk.

Also, Rs 21,37,000 has been slapped as fine amount on vehicles illegally transporting sand in Akkirampur village in Koratagere and Kunigal taluk. A case has also been registered in the Bangalore police station with regard to the same. Also, criminal cases will be booked against those engaged in illegal business of sand filters and land owners who are lending their lands for the same purpose, said Mr Uma Shankar.

Thus, inorder to contain illegal mining a checkpost has been opened in Somanahalli in Chikkanayakanahalli. Since February checkposts have also been opened in Bellara Gate, Thimmanahalli and Hagalavadi, he added.

Also, staff have been appointed to man the checkposts. At the checkposts, permit of vehicles, permit for transporting ore will be checked, informed Deputy Commissioner Mr Uma Shankar.