Rev Min announces probe into mining scam on Govt land

Madhya Pradesh Revenue Minister Umashankar Gupta on Wednesday announced an investigation by the Chief Secretary into the alleged scam to the tune of crores of rupees by encroaching and mining on Government land in two villages in Satna.

Raising the issue during the Question Hour, Leader of the Opposition Ajay Singh said that no first information report (FIR) was lodged despite a complaint being made to the Satna Collector, the Superintendent of Police and the public prosecutor in 2016.

In his reply, Gupta admitted wrongdoing and assured inquiry by the Divisional Commissioner. Nonetheless, the Leader of the Opposition demanded that an all-member committee be formed and be sent to the two villages for investigation.

While the Minister denied his demand, former minister and senior BJP member Babulal Gaur supported Singh and described it as a serious matter that necessitated investigation. As Singh persisted on his demand, the minister announced an investigation by the Chief Secretary.

Meanwhile, it was informed the house that 27 death-row convicts are lodged in various jails of Madhya Pradesh while the fact remains that no hangman is available in the state.

In his written reply to Govind Singh of Congress, Jail Minister Antar Singh Arya said, “No hangman is available in Madhya Pradesh at present. Under such circumstances, alternative arrangement is done from other states.”

He said that 11 death-row prisoners are lodged in Indore jail, nine in Jabalpur, three each in Bhopal and Gwalior jails and one in Ujjain jail. These inmates include a woman. Execution is carried out in Indore and Jabalpur jails.