Dharwad,Nov 24 (DHNS): Former Union Law minister and veteran criminal lawyer Ram Jethmalani demanded that the Government must initiate stringent action against those involved in illegal mining. 

"It is proved from the Lokayukta and the Central Empowered Committee's reports that the illegal mining is going on in the State. The Government must take tough decisions to check the looting of the national resources even at the cost of the losing power," he added while speaking to reporters.

Indirectly supporting a CBI inquiry into the illegal mining, he said there were allegations that some powerful elected representatives were abusing their powers to do illegal mining. Therefore, a probe into the issue must be conducted by an agency outside the State.

When asked whether the State government had to ask the CBI to investigate into the Obulapuram Mining Company's alleged illegal mining, he only said the Government had to take an appropriate decision in the matter.He said the media had a greater role to play in creating an awareness among the common people about corrupt practices in the society. The media must be alert and work with extra energy to dig out the truth.

Interim stay

The HC Circuit Bench on Monday issued a four-month interim stay on a notice served by the police to MSPL Executive Director Rahul Baldota. Baldota had filed a writ petition to nullify the notice served on him in connection with a complaint lodged by OMC Managing Director B V Shrinivas Reddy, who alleged that Baldota threatened him with dire consequences. Justice K Billappa granted stay on the police notice. The hearing has been adjourned to December 9. Ram Jethmalani is Baldota’s counsel