High-level probe into illegal sand mining

Bhopal, Mar 10 (UNI) Mineral Resources Minister Laxmikant Sharma today announced in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly that a high-level inquiry would be conducted within a month into the attack on villagers by the sand mining contractor and his henchmen at village Mardana in Khargone district, in which one person was killed.

Mr Sharma gave this assurance, during discussion on a call attention notice by Mr Hintendra Singh Solanki, on Speaker Ishwardas Rohani's directive to take a serious view of the matter.

Mr Sharma clarified that one of the attackers died by drowning in the melee following clash among the villagers and the henchmen of the mining contractor.

Mr Solanki alleged that mining lease had been issued by the administration despite the objections raised by the villagers.

Mr Sharma said the mining lease was granted as minor minerals would be lost for ever since the area would be submerged on the completion of the Maheshwar project. The process to cancel the lease has been initiated, he added.

UNI SP VD DS1555