Hiremath demands resignation of official

The Secretary (Mines and Textiles) of the Government of Karnataka, K Amarnarayan, should resign from his post, demanded S R Hiremath, president, National Committee for Protection of Natural Resources (NCPNR), on Monday.

Addressing a press conference, he alleged that the secretary had favoured mining companies that had flouted norms. Hiremath said that the officer had given a clean chit to Ramgad Minerals and Mines Private Limited (RMMPL), which had transferred Rs two crore to Prerana Trust owned by former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa and his family.

Money to family trust

“The company has now got the mining lease despite all the allegations,” he said. The RMMPL is owned by the Baldota Group.

Apart from this another company of the group has also transferred Rs one crore to the same trust, he added.

Hiremath said that this was not the first time that Amarnarayan was found favouring mining companies. In February, the secretary had given a clean chit to Varalaxmi Mining Company so that it can resume mining operations in Bellary but it was eventually withdrawn on March 4.

‘Suspend him’

“We call upon Amarnarayan to leave his position voluntarily, and in the absence of it, we urge the Chief Secretary and the government to suspend or transfer him at the earliest,” he said.

He added that an awareness campaign about illegal mining would be organised from Male Mahadeshwara Hills to Freedom Park in Bangalore.