New Delhi: Documents accessed by CNN-IBN link BJP MP from Gujarat Dinu Solanki to the illegal mining activity going on in the periphery of Gir Sanctuary.
They not only expose Solanki's clout over illegal mining in the state but also indicate that Gujarat Chief Minster Narendra Modi was well aware of it.
Dinu Solanki, whose nephew is suspected to be involved in the murder of RTI activist Amit Jethwa was awarded a mining lease in January 2004. Jethwa was shot dead on July 20 after he filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against illegal mining activity going on in Gir.
His lease also figures in the list of those cancelled for having violated mining norms that prohibit mining activity within a radius of 5 km of the sanctuary. Dinu Solanki's lease figures in tenth place in the list of 35 such leases.
Moreover, CNN-IBN has also accessed a letter from Chief Minister Narendra Modi's office which says that allegations of illegal mining are being looked into. It was in reply to a complaint filed by a Congress MLA in the state.
Meanwhile, Centre now plans to set up an inquiry commission to look into allegations of illegal mining. The commission will look into the nature and extent of illegal mining and identify the people and firms engaged in illegal mining activities.
It will also be tasked with inquiring into tampering of official records. The inquiry will largely focus on Karnataka, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh.
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