Lokayukta police files FIR against SM Krishna for allowing illegal mining

BANGALORE/NEW DELHI: In a major embarrassment for Congress, the Karnataka Lokayukta police on Thursday registered FIRs against external affairs minister SM Krishna accusing him of allowing illegal mining during his term as the chief minister. The FIR also has two other chief ministers, Congress' Dharam Singh and JD(S) HD Kumaraswamy.

The FIR followed a complaint by social activist and businessman TJ Abraham. He alleged that Krishna took decisions that facilitated illegal mining. The complainant described Krishna's decision as chief minister from 1999-2003 to de-reserve forest areas as the starting point of the illegal mining scam. "He ignored the advice of the department secretary and ordered for dereservation. It led to all kinds of illegalities," the complainant stated.

Krishna described the accusations as an attempt at character-assassination. "I wish to point out that I never retained the portfolio of mines and geology." He also said that no mining licences were issued during his term in office and that he did not permit the de-reservation of forests for mining companies.

Justice Santosh Hegde, who completed his term as the Lokayukta of Karnataka a few months ago, said that his investigation into illegal mining scandal did not produce enough evidence against Krishna. Hegde, however, added that his report did indict Dharam Singh. It was Hegde's report on illegal mining that forced Yeddyurappa to resign as chief minister in July this year.

However, Abraham charged Krishna with illegally amassing wealth in the name of his family members and erstwhile cabinet colleagues. On Friday, the court sought clarifications from the complainant. When the court asked if he has adopted a 'selective' approach in naming the accused, he said: "Other people who have not been mentioned in the complaint are already before this court."

Abraham said though there was no direct reference to show Krishna benefited, "documents showed that at the time corresponding to the de-reservation of land, properties were acquired in and around Bangalore in the name of his son-in-law." When the judge asked why he didn't approach the Lokayukta police before petitioning the court, Abraham said people had lost confidence in the Lokayukta police after Justice Santosh N Hegde's retirement.

The court asked Abraham to submit second set of documents by Tuesday. Dharam Singh and Kumaraswamy, both former CMs and now MPs, and 11 senior officials have been accused of conspiracy and corruption.