KHAMMAM: A new twist has come in Lokayukta’s hearing of illegal mining case at Chintagurti village and survey number 192 in Koyalachalaka area of Raghunathapalem mandal. RTI activists have ended up complaining against the official who has been deputed by Lokayukta as enquiry officer.
In his complaint to Lokayukta on Tuesday, RTI activist Koinni Venkanna accused inquiry officer Kochi Mathews of not probing the illegal mining case properly. “The officer visited the site along with officials. But he has not bothered to meet any of the complainants. He has also not inquired into the issues raised by us,” Venkanna complained to Lokayukta.
The activist alleged the inquiry officer has gone by the words of mining and revenue officials. “We have doubts over the behaviour of this officer. We appeal to honourable Lokayukta to look into the matter,” he stated.
RTI activists have complained that contractors have illegally mined products worth ₹ 100 crore. Mining and revenue officials are conniving with the mining mafia at the instance of ruling party leaders.
Activists Venkanna, M. Upendra and Seelam Neela have also submitted several representations to mining assistant director, revenue divisional officer as well as the district collector against illegal mining. They say there has been no response from officials.
