Lokayukta Seeks Report From Odisha Govt On Illegal Quarrying In Jajpur

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Lokayukta has reportedly issued notice to the state government seeking report on illegal quarrying in Jajpur district.

It sent notice to the additional chief secretary of steel and mines department and a contractor to submit their views and comments in a case related to death of two workers in an illegal quarry in Jajpur district on May 31, this year.

Notably, two workers Appu Raut and Shantanu Khilar died after the hillock caved in when illegal quarrying was going on. Taking suo motu cognisance of the case after going through the media reports, the Lokayukta heard the matter, a report in TOI said.

Lokayukta had initially directed the director of vigilance to conduct a preliminary inquiry into the matter. The director of vigilance submitted its report on September 25. It had mentioned about one Gangadhar Ojha, who was allegedly carrying out illegal quarrying in Jenapur area of the district.

Raising some questions about the illegal mining of black stone despite the presence of government officials in Jenapur area, Lokayukta asked the senior officer and Ojha to submit their views within six weeks. The case will be taken up on November 23.