MP Mullappally Ramchandran seeks probe into bribe in amending mining rules

Kozhikode: Vadakara MP Mullappally Ramchandran demanded comprehensive investigation into the allegation that Rs 100 crore bribe is involved in the recent amendment to mining rules made by the state government , reducing the distance of mines functioning near residential area from 100 metres to 50 metres. He said that there are allegations that the CPM has taken a bribe of Rs five lakh each from quarry owners in order to sabotage the Minor Minerals Control and Development Rules 2015. The validity of the Quarrying Permit has been raised to five years from the present three according to the new amendment.

The previous UDF Government had raised the distance radius to 100 metres which forced over 2,000 quarries to shut down. “The state government has made the amendment to help the quarry owners. The government should conduct a comprehensive investigation into the issue. If the state government is not willing, the union government should assign CBI to investigate the matter,” he said. He was addressing the gathering during a protest meeting conducted by the Congress in Perambra against the Liquor policy. He added that the quarry mafia is behind the suicide of Joy, a farmer from Chembnoda. An investigation based on the quarry owners in nearby areas is also required to find out the truth, the MP said.