Jamshedpur: Ajsu Party president Sudesh Mahato and Independent MLA from Jamshedpur (East) Saryu Rai on Friday levelled charges of corruption, particularly in the mining department, against the Hemant Soren-led coalition government.
Mahto claimed that corruption is rampant in all departments since Hemant Soren took charge as the chief minister last year. The MLA from Silli also alleged that middlemen are stealing from the state's coffers by selling natural resources like sand, minerals and stones illegally.
He further claimed that the government is supporting such illegal activities and corrupt acts by turning a blind eye.
Stating that the ruling JMM has moved miles away from its promises in the election manifesto to protect jal, jungle and jameen, Mahto questioned JMM working president and CM, Soren, over the non-formulation of a law to regularise sand mining in the state.
Rai, too, questioned the functioning of the mining department for the last 20 years since the formation of the state on November 15, 2000.
Highlighting an incident of corruption in the West Singhbhum mining department, the former BJP heavyweight said a district mining department officer slapped a fine of Rs 605 crore against a mining company for its wrongdoing in 2014 but the amount was reduced to only Rs 194 crore and the officer was transferred after the Hemant Soren government came to power.
The Independent MLA asked why was the officer transferred and said a probe must be launched into it by an independent agency. He added that the government has also taken a soft stand on the mining magnate, M/S Shah Brothers.