Kumar Bahukhandi
Balrampur : There is an allegation of hiding corruption by setting fire to documents in the mineral branch of the district. In this incident, the collusion of mineral officers, RTI branch clerk, contractors and crusher operators has been reported. The Commissioner of Surguja Division has ordered an inquiry into this.
Advocate and RTI activist Dr. DK Soni had filed a complaint before the Surguja Division Commissioner on August 12, 2024. In this complaint, it was said that the mineral branch of Balrampur, which is located in the composite building, was deliberately set on fire. In this fire, such documents have been burnt, which were related to royalty clearance of more than 1000 crores. It is alleged that these documents were kept in such a way that fire could be set from the window.
According to the complaint, the officers and clerks of the Balrampur Mineral Branch had hatched this conspiracy in connivance with the contractors and crusher operators. In particular, information related to Mahamaya Crusher located in village Bheski was sought under RTI, which was set on fire to hide. Had this information become public, illegal mining and theft of mining amount worth hundreds of crores could have been exposed.
There are also serious allegations of issuing royalty clearance worth crores through fake pit passes in Chhattisgarh Balrampur Mineral Department. The investigation found that cases related to other districts were also settled in Balrampur Mining Department, whereas these cases should have been settled in the respective districts. Apart from this, the complicity of Balrampur officials has also come to light in the fake pit pass case caught in Jashpur. On August 22, the Surguja Division Commissioner has ordered the Collector Balrampur to investigate the matter and submit a report within 15 days. If found guilty in the investigation, a criminal case will be registered against the concerned officers and employees.
