It is reported that Orissa vigilance department has filed criminal cases against owners of three iron ore and manganese mines for carrying out illegal mining and trading of minerals. The cases have been filed in the vigilance court at Balasore.

According to Vigilance sources, the mines belonged to Sirajuddin and Company, Rungta Mines and B D Patnaik. These three companies are charged with illegally mining and trading minerals to the tune of over INR 400 crore.

Vigilance has filed cases against Itfar Alam (owner) and MM Rehman of Sirajuddin and Company under the Prevention of Corruption Act for indulging in illegal mining in Balda and Guruda deposits. While the value of illegal mining and trading at Balda is estimated at INR 214.6 crore, the figure for Guruda mines is pegged at INR 10 crore.

(Sourced from Business Standard)