DC raids illegal mining unit, seizes equipment worth crores

A team of officials, led by Deputy Commissioner Rohini Sindhuri, conducted a raid on an illegal mining unit, under Chigalli limits of Shantigrama hobli in the taluk on Tuesday.

The team, which raided the stone crusher unit that was being operated without necessary permits, confiscated the equipment and vehicles that were used for the purpose, worth crores of rupees.

Acting on a complaint that a huge machine was being used for illegal stone quarrying on the land under Survey number 58 at Chigalli, the district administration, led by Deputy Commissioner Rohini Sindhuri, conducted the surprise raid on Tuesday.

During the raid, it was found that one Mohan Kumar of C K Arunakshi Company was illegally running a stone crushing unit, without obtaining the Clearance For Operation (CFO) and Form-C licence.

According to sources, 315 metric tonnes of stone dust has been manufactured from the waste of gemstones, using a huge equipment. Besides, around 5.10 acres of government land has been encroached upon to dump the rocks, which were later crushed into powder.

Case against owner

The DC directed the officials of the Mines and Geology department to file a criminal case against the owner, who was running the crusher unit without any licence. She also directed the officials to seize the government land that was encroached upon for the illegal activity.

Speaking to DH, Rohini Sindhuri said, "The Mines and Geology department, Hassan Assistant Commissioner and tahsildar have been told to make spot inspection and submit a comprehensive report, on the illegal activity."