By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: If the grapevines are to be believed, after former IAS officer and BJP Rajya Sabha MP Aswini Baishnab’s alleged link with Brahmani River Pellets Limited as well as Mining Contractor Tamil Nadu’s Salem born B Prabhakaran, sources 2 more Odisha cadre IAS officers enjoying Director Ranks, have been under scanner for investing in 3 Iron Ore Mines under Joda-Koira mining circles of State’s mineral rich Keonjhar-Sundargarh districts with forged names.
Sources said, one middle man Gupta Babu, is coordinating the entire game. Both the Officers have earlier served in Angul and Dhenkanal districts. Gupta Babu is a regular at Lok Seva Bhawan here, sources added. Sources said both Officers have given forged names and holds share in 2 to 3 mines.
The speculation assumed greater significance with some small time miners have won mining blocks by paying handsome premium to State Government. Sources said a proper investigation could unearth the truth.
Odisha has so far auctioned 18 expiring mines while auction for Badampahad block held by Lal Trade Agency Ltd has been put on hold for court case while JSW Steel has been declared as preferred bidder for 4 blocks for far.
