Mandya: Upa Lokayukta Justice B Veerappa has taken up a suo motu case against the assistant commissioner (AC) of Pandavapura sub-division and nine other officials on charges of dereliction of duty following the death of a truck driver in an illegal mining quarry in Nagamangala taluk of Mandya district.The action was initiated in connection with a tragic incident that occurred on Dec 26, when a tipper, loaded with crushed stones, plunged into a deep gorge at a stone-crushing unit near Jataka Gate in Bellur police limits. The driver was killed on the spot. The incident was attributed to gross negligence on the part of quarry and crusher owners, as well as serious lapses by officials of different depts, including mines and geology. According to preliminary findings, the quarry was run in violation of safety norms prescribed under mining laws. Despite the presence of a gorge nearly 40 feet deep along the truck route, the mine owner allegedly failed to construct any compound wall or protective barrier. It was also reported that workers at the crushing unit were made to work under unsafe and inhuman conditions. The Upa Lokayukta noted that although several complaints were reportedly filed regarding illegal quarrying and unsafe practices, no effective action was taken by the authorities. The alleged inaction of officials encouraged illegal mining activities. Taking serious note of these violations, Justice Veerappa named the AC, Pandavapura sub-division; tahsildar, Nagamangala; deputy superintendent of police, Nagamangala sub-division; deputy director and senior geologist of the mines and geology dept, Mandya; regional transport officer; labour officer and labour inspector; executive officer of TP, Nagamangala; and the PDO of Neligere GP as respondents in the case. All the officials concerned have been directed to appear in person and submit detailed reports before the Upa Lokayuktha on Feb 16, explaining their role and the actions taken, if any.
