Taking cognisance of Home Minister G. Parameshwara’s statement that he was “helpless” in taking action against illegal sand mining due to “involvement of many influential persons”, the High Court of Karnataka has said that the issue of illegal sand mining now requires a court-monitored probe by a Central agency or a specially-constituted agency, or a Special Investigation Team.
“If the Home Minister of the State feels helpless in taking action to curb the illegal sand mining by mafias, there cannot be any hope that the said illegal activity of sand mining in the State can be curbed by the State machinery,” the court observed in its order.
A Division Bench, comprising Justice D.K. Singh and Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju, passed the order while suo motu initiating a PIL petition based on Dr. Parameshwar’s January 27 statement, made on the floor of the Legislative Assembly, reported in newspapers on January 28.
The Bench took note of the Home Minister’s reported statement: “Illegal sand mining is a big racket. I am not giving any explanation or naming anyone, as it is a little embarrassing. I have given only a restricted answer, but it involves many influential people. I will call a meeting to discuss the issue.”
