<p>"I think, we can do it. If need be, I will seek CBI help in the investigations", Hegde told reporters here after interacting with the children of the Bala Balaga, a private school here.<br /><br />He said he has recommended to the state government to levy a tax of Rs 150 per tonne of iron ore as the mines owners have only been paying a "paltry" royalty of Rs 27 per tonne now but makes huge profit selling it at Rs 6,000 per tonne.<br /><br />Hegde had a few days ago described as "too premature" the clean chit given by Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa to the Reddy brothers facing charges of illegal mining.<br /><br />His remarks came against the backdrop of Yeddyurappa defending the Reddy brothers claiming there was no evidence against them and ruling out their removal from cabinet.<br /><br />The state government has entrusted Lokayukta with the inquiry into illegal export of iron ore even as the opposition Congress and JD(S) insist on a CBI probe.<br /><br />The Opposition had accused ministers-cum-mining magnates Reddy brothers -- G Janardhana Reddy and G Karunakara Reddy -- of involvement in the alleged multi-crore scam.</p>
<p>"I think, we can do it. If need be, I will seek CBI help in the investigations", Hegde told reporters here after interacting with the children of the Bala Balaga, a private school here.<br /><br />He said he has recommended to the state government to levy a tax of Rs 150 per tonne of iron ore as the mines owners have only been paying a "paltry" royalty of Rs 27 per tonne now but makes huge profit selling it at Rs 6,000 per tonne.<br /><br />Hegde had a few days ago described as "too premature" the clean chit given by Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa to the Reddy brothers facing charges of illegal mining.<br /><br />His remarks came against the backdrop of Yeddyurappa defending the Reddy brothers claiming there was no evidence against them and ruling out their removal from cabinet.<br /><br />The state government has entrusted Lokayukta with the inquiry into illegal export of iron ore even as the opposition Congress and JD(S) insist on a CBI probe.<br /><br />The Opposition had accused ministers-cum-mining magnates Reddy brothers -- G Janardhana Reddy and G Karunakara Reddy -- of involvement in the alleged multi-crore scam.</p>