Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Why Sarbeswar, RTI Activist was Bomb Attacked in Odisha

 

Mining Mafia Sponsored and BJD-backed Bomb Attack on Sarbeswar Behura, RTI Activist of Jajpur district, Odisha

 


On 27th March , 21 Sarbeswar Behura, aged 52 well-known RTI Activist and member  of  Odisha Soochana Adhikar Abhijan (OSAA)  while returning home in a four-wheller driven by him from Imamnagar under Dharmashala Block of Jajpur district , two motor-byke-borne men accosted him  on the way at 9pm  and hurled four bombs on his car. Sarbeswar along with co-passenger Sushant Behera was seriously injured and hospitalized in SCB Medical, Cuttack and then transferred to a private hospital. Presently he is under treatment and his life is out of danger. Rilu Behura, wife of Sarbeswar Behura along RTI Activists Pradip Pradhan, Srikant Pakal, Jitendra Sahu  filed  FIR in Dharmashala Police station on 28th March 21  at 3PM. The Police  did not register  the case on the plea  that  they  had  registered  the  case  on its own after  the incident.  This is not attack on Sarbeswar for   first time. Earlier Sarbeswar was attacked twice by the goons. Though he filed FIR, the Police did not take any action to nab the culprits.

 

Besides filling case in Odisha High Court seeking an inquiry into PDS Scam,  Sarbeswar  along with co-social activists  submitted memorandum on 26.5.20  to BDO, Dharmashala  seeking  an inquiry into  higher  price demanded by  Dealers   per litre of kerosene  and non-distribution of Dal.   The dealers  Being aggrieved  by  this case hatched conspiracy  and filed a false FIR dt. 19.5.20 in  Dharmashala Police station in order to harass Sarbeswar.   The police  registered  the case  against him .  Similarly  another  false case  was also registered in Kuakhia Police station against  Sarbeswar Behura on 17.2.20 , as he raised voice  against  illegal mining  operation by mining mafia.   Then, Sarbeswar  approached  Odisha Human Rights Commission seeking  an  impartial inquiry  into two  fake FIRs  lodged  against  him and  sought  protection. OHRC registered  the case no. 2155/2020  and issued notice  to IIC, Kuakhia  to submit  the  report. The  case  is pending  for  disposal.

 As a senior RTI Worker, Sarbeswar is well-known for his RTI Activism since 2014 in Dharmashala block of Jajpur district for his pursuit to fight out corruption in Jajpur district through use of RTI extensively to different offices. He has used RTI to unearth corruption and irregularities in various Govt.  programme starting from PDS to NREGA and construction of latrines  in Panchayats. He has become eyesore of political leaders of ruling party, local MLA and mining mafia   due  to  his  expose  on continuing illegal mining  operation, black stone quarry, illegal  operation of crusher  Unit  in Bichhakhandi Hill, Dankari Hill  and adjoining areas  under Dharmashala Tahasil.  His RTI Activism is not only confined to  exposing corruption but filing  complaints  to different authorities including new-constituted Lokayukta, Odisha seeking  inquiry  and action against  the  culprits.  These  complaints have been   filed against  district  Collector, SP, Jajpur, illegal mining  operators, Class-1  contractors , Local MLA Pranab Balabantaray , Tahasildars, PDS  dealers , Block Development  Officer, Dharmashala , Marketing Inspectors  and many  more. His  activism  has also  resulted  in    exposing  corrupt  character  of  Nabin Patnaik Govt.  , false  and fake  propaganda  of  slogan “5T  and Mo Sarkar” ,  corruption masterminded  by BJD leaders   having nexus  with mining mafias  etc.  Lokayukta  taking  cognizance  of all  the cases has  ordered  for  inquiry  either  by its  own directorate  wing   or State Vigilance.

 Glimpses of his  RTI Activism   to fight  against  corruption  in Jajpur  district.

 Jajpur is major industrial hub of the state of Odisha. Huge  illegal  mining  operation ,   operation of  illegal  black stone quarry , sand  exploration  by  mining  mafia engaged  by  leaders  of Biju Janata Dal  has become  order  of the day. Accidentally, Sarbeswar belonged to  this area i.e, Dharmashala Block  where  illegal  mining operation is rampant. Mining mafias  backed  by BJD leaders and administration  are  seen  looting mining  causing  revenue  loss  worth  thousands  of crores  to state  exchequer.

 Case No.1: Inquiry into   destruction  of Irrigation Embankment Road  by use of Dynamite explosion   in order  to suppress  substandard work  and huge  irregularities of  Rs. 24.00 crore  in the construction  of   said road  under Dharamashal block  of  Jajpur  district. 

On 7.9.20., while filling  a complaint before Lokayukta, Odisha , Sarbeswar Behura alleged  that on 28th night of August, 20,  the Irrigation Embankment  Road  from NH-5  ( Gokarneswar )  to Budhalingam Majhipada Road ( length-20 kms)  along embankment  of Kelua river  got destroyed  at Niraghat by  explosion of dynamites  and  impression  was  given  that  due  to  heavy flow  of flood  water ,  the  embankment  got   cracked  and  damaged and  damaged  4000  hect. of   paddy.  But  while  visiting  the  spot and  inspecting  the damaged  embankment  along with  the  people,  he observed  that  this  destruction is  not  due  to  flood. This  site  does not  witness  any  strong  current  in flow  of  flood water  to  cause  any damage  to embankment.   He alleged that it was  a   deep-laid conspiracy   to  destroy  it. He also alleged that Sri  Pranab   Balabantaray , local MLA  and  Sri Naren Jena , Junior  Engineer  of  office  of  the Executive Engineer,  R&B, Panikoili Division  and  others  are  behind  the  conspiracy  who have engaged  miscreants  to  damage  this  embankment  through use of explosives  in order  to  suppress  the  irregularities  and  misappropriation   of  huge  amount  of  money  in the  construction work.  About the project he stated that this  project  was  sanctioned in 2016  by the  office of  the  Executive Engineer,  R&B, Panikoili Division   with Agreement No. 21 P with an estimated  amount  of Rs. 21.99  crores. Sri Balakrustan Mohanty, Contractor was entrusted to execute the  work  and  complete  by 30.4.2018.  But, the  local MLA  and  Sri Naren Jena, Junior Engineer close  relation of  local MLA Sri Pranab Balabantaray    used  local  hooligans  to  create  trouble  for  the  Contractors  for  which  he  could  not  start  the  work.  The work got  delayed  for  two years and  the  project  cost   revised  to  Rs. 24.47 crore.

  The construction of the embankment ended in last part of 2019.  Having  seen  the  low   quality  of work,  he  filed  RTI  Application  to the PIO, office  of Executive Engineer, R & B, Panikoili Division , Jajpur  seeking  details of  information  about  this  work .  But the   PIO did not supply  any information apprehending  corruption being  exposed.  The low quality  of work  is highly visible   in the  road.  In  order  to suppress  the  low quality  of  work  of  being exposed, the  Tahasildar, Dharmashala and  the Executive Engineer, R & B, Panikoili  established  Check post  at  Gokarneswar, entry  point to Embankment  road  in name of the  District Collector, Jajpur instructing for the same  in order to prevent  illegal  extraction and  transportation  of minor  minerals.  But  as per  RTI  Information,  the  letter  dt. 16.1.20  issued  by the  Collector, Jajpur to  the  Tahasildar , Dharmashala   does not  contain any  information  or  instruction  for establishment  of   check  post  at  Gokarneswar.  Both  the  Tahasildar  and  the Executive Engineer, R &B, Panikoili  have  illegally   established  check  post  with  intention  to  suppress  low quality  of  work , as  the   minor  minerals-loaded  Trucks    hardly  ply  on this  road.  After   destruction of   embankment is reported  in media,  the  Chief Secretary  and the  Collector , Jajpur  have  made  public  statement  in media  that it was  man-made  breaches in the embankment and  accordingly  inquiry  has  been ordered.  On 29.8.20., the Deputy Executive Engineer, Jaraka Irrigation Division, Jaraka, Jajpur filed FIR in Dharmashala Police station seeking an inquiry into man-made breaches caused to embankment   by miscreants. Till yet no inquiry has been conducted so far.  He has prayed before Lokayukta to conduct an inquiry into the matter and take legal action.   

 Taking cognizance of the matter LY-1027/20, Lokayukta issued  notice seeking reply  from Pranab Balabantaray, MLA, Collector, Jajpur, Executive Engineer, R&B, Inspector-in-Chrage, Dharmashala Police station about  the allegation and directed  vigilance  to conduct an inquiry . The Case  is continuing.

 Case No. 2.  Misappropriation of Rs. 5,00,00,000.00 ( five crores) by   12 OAS officers of  Jajpur Tahasil  under Collectorate, Jajpur   within period of 2006  to  2016 .

 On 25.7.2019., Sarbeswar filed RTI Application to the PIO, office  of Collector, jajpur seeking  copy of the Special Audit Report  of  Audit  Team of Board  of Revenue, Odisha. On 10.9.19, the PIO, office  of  Collectorate, Jajpur  supplied  the   copy  of Audit  Report.  it  was observed that as per the Board’s memo No. 206 /Aud. Dt. 2.4.16.,  Special audit  team  of Board of Revenue conducted audit on misappropriation of Govt. fund in Jajpur  Tahasil  within period  of 1.4.2006 to 5.4.2016.  Audit  was  conducted from 5.4.16 to 31.8.17.  The  Special Audit Report  No. 02/2017-2018  submitted  to Govt.  has  made  detailed  description  of  how   around Rs. 5 crore has  been  misappropriated  by a bunch  of Govt. official  of Jajpur  Tahasil   starting  from Tahasildar to Head Clerck, Nazir  and many  others.   The  Audit  has  strongly  recommended for  departmental  proceedings  and /or prosecution  at the  earliest moment under OCS (CAA &A) Rules, 1962/OCS (PENSION) Rules, 1992 on the basis  of audit paras.  From a letter provided  under RTI, It  was  also found that  the  State  Vigilance  has registered a case  File No. 05 dated 20.1.2018 on complaint of misappropriation of huge revenue  by the  officials  of Jajpur Tahail. A letter   has been written by the Deputy Superintendent of police, Vigilance, Jajpur  to the  Collector, Jajpur  in this  regard.  Though Vigilance registered the case ,   did not  conduct any inquiry.   Armed  with RTI information, Sarbeswar  filed  complaint   in Lokayukta, Odisha on 26.9.2019   seeking  direction  to State  Vigilance  to  complete  investigation and take  action  against 8 Tahasildars  involved in looting  public money.  Lokayukta , Odisha  took   the matter  seriously  registered  the complaint  LY Case No.  371/2019  and ordered  the  Vigilance   to complete  investigation. On 6.3.20, the Supdt. Of Police, Vigilance, Cuttack Division submitted the detailed report before  the  Lokayukta, Odisha. In this report, he  has  submitted  with reference  to report  of EO  that

  Enquiry  Officer  has  recommended for  registration of  two  criminal cases (  a  criminal case  against Sri Rajat Kumar Routray, Ex-Nazir, Sri Sarat Ch. Barik, Ex-incharge  Head Clerck ( Retd. ), Sri Ajay Kumar Sahu, Ex-Head Clerck  &  Sri  Gourahari Behera , Ex-Tahasildar , all  Ex-officials  of Jajpur  Tahasil  u/s  13(2) r/w 13(1) (c )(d) of P.C.Act 1988/409/477-A/120-B IPC  for  misappropriation of Govt. money  of Rs. 79,52,613.00  during  the  period  from 31.3.2009  to 28.5.2010.  Another  Criminal case  against Sri Rajat Kumar Routray, Ex-Nazir, Sri Sarat Ch. Barik, Ex-Nazir, Sri Ajay Kumar Sahu, Ex-Head Clerck  & Smt. Mamata Barik, Ex- Tahasildar , all Ex-officials  of Jajpur  Tahasil  u/s  13(2) r/w 13(1) (c )(d) of P.C.Act 1988/409/477-A/120-B IPC  for  misappropriation of Govt. money of Rs. 2,26,69,825.00 during  the period  from 20.9.2010 to 31.10.2013.”

 The EO  has  also recommended  for  initiation  of Regular Departmental action  against Sri Rajat Kumar  Routray, Ex-Nazir, Jajpur  Tahasil  A/pr. Senior  Clerck , Vyasanagar Tahasil, Jajpur  ( Group-C)  with  recommendation  for  recovery  of  misappropriated  amount  of Rs. 72,432/- from him.

 The EO  has   further  recommended for  registration of criminal case  against Sri Rajat Kumar Routray, Ex-Nazir, Sri Sarat Ch. Barik, Ex-Nazir, Sri Ajay Kumar Sahu, Ex-Head Clerck  & Smt. Mamata Barik, Ex- Tahasildar , all Ex-officials  of Jajpur  Tahasil  u/s  13(2) r/w 13(1) (c )(d) of P.C.Act 1988/409/477-A/120-B IPC  for  misappropriation of  Rs. 12,11,335.00  from 1.6.2020 to  6.2.2014.  showing fake  purchases  of different articles  and amount  collected  in different  dates not taking  to cash book in Jajpur Tahasil. Sri Sareswar  halso  again  approached the Lokayukta dt. 2.11.20  about  inaction of  Vigilance.

 Case No. : 3  Huge irregularities  in allotment of  4  houses to  one family by  Panchayat  Executive  Officer, Taranjia Gram Panchayat of  Dharmashala Block of Jajpur  district.

Sarbeswar got the  information under RTI that  Sri Rabindra Parida   of Taranjia  village and  his  family members Taranjia  Gram Panchayat  under Dharmashala Block have been  allotted 4  houses  under  various  schemes  within span of 19  years  and the  Panchayat  Executive Officer  of Taranjia  Gram Panchayat  has  selected  him  to allot  another  houses  in 2019-20.  On 6.9.19.,  after  obtaining  this  information, the  villagers  of  the GP  personally  met  District  Collector, Jajpur and submitted  him  memorandum  seeking  inquiry  into it.  But  the  Collector   did  not  conduct any inquiry.  He  filed  complaint dt. 1.9.19   before Lokayukta, Odisha stating that the  Panchayat  Executive Officer, Taranjia GP   was  hand in glove  with  many  local  touts  and politicians  and  involved  in illegal  allotment  not only  this  family  but  many families  violating  Govt. guideline. Registering the case LY 317/19, The Lokayukta ordered BDO, Dharmashala  to conduct an   inquiry . The BDO, Dharmashala Block conducted the inquiry  and found allegation true . He recovered the money from the beneficiary and initiated disciplinary proceedings against Panchayat Executive Officer and Junior Engineer . Till yet, no action has been initiated against them.

 Case No. 4: Huge irregularities and misappropriation of entire fund amounting Rs. 2 lakhs  in name of  construction of Pipe Water supply in   Sundaria Gram Panchayat under Dharmashala block of Jajpur district.

 As per  information  obtained  under RTI Act, an amount  of Rs. 2,00,000.00 ( two lakh rupees)  was spent  for construction of  Drinking water project  through pipes in Haradeipur village  under Sinduria Gram Panchayat  of Dharmashala Block under 14th Finance Commission Fund during 2016-17. When RTI information was verified,  it  was  found that  no such  project   had been implemented   by    any agency  of the Govt.   so far. The whole amount of Rs. 2 lakh  had been misappropriated by  the officials  with false  bills. On 24.9.19., Rilu Behera , wife of Sarbeswar Behura  had  filed  complaint  to BDO, Dharmashala, PD, DRDA, Jajpur  for  inquiry  into the matter. But the BDO did not conduct an inquiry rather suppressed  it. On 28.11.19,  hearing the  Case LY-414/2019 , the  Lokayukta, Odisha  had directed  to the  Block Development  Officer, Dharmashala  to personally inspect the  bore-well by getting  the depth- measured  and thereafter submit the  report. In compliance order  of the Lokayukta,  the BDO, Dharmashala block  submitted his report dt. 7.1.20  which says that  on measuring  the depth  of bore-well  by the Executive Engineer, RWSS , it was found  that  the  depth  was  only 36.4  metres  and not 63 metres as shown  in the  measurement  book.   The  four  persons  namely  (1)  Sri Managobinda  Baral ,  Ex-PEO, (2) Smt. Puspanjali Sahu, EX-GPTA, (3)  Sri Debudattaray Mohapatra, Ex-Assistant  Executive  Officer , ( 4) Smt. Gayatri Panda, Sarapanch  of Sinduria GP  have  jointly  misappropriated  an amount of Rs. 41,492.00

 Acting upon  the Inquiry  report, the  Lokayukta, Odisha  had  issued notice  to all  the four persons  for their  reply  and called  for the  views  of the  competent  authority i.e., Minister-in-Charge , Panchayat Raj  and Drinking Water. The  Minister    confirmed that  all the  above four persons  are  responsible  for  irregularities  and misappropriation  of Govt. fund  towards execution of  pipe water  supply  in Sinduria Gram Panchayat.  The  Minister  has also mentioned that necessary  action is being  taken   against  erring  persons. The view of the  Minister  is based  on the  report  of the  Collector, Jajpur  who too in his report  dated  14.2.20  has confirmed   the  irregularities and misappropriation of fund by Sarapanch  and all  three  officials. The  Collector, Jajpur  has also reported that  the  disciplinary  proceedings  has been  initiated  against   (1)  Sri Managobinda  Baral ,  Ex-PEO, (2) Smt. Puspanjali Sahu, EX-GPTA, (3)  Sri Debudattaray Mohapatra, Ex-Assistant  Executive  Officer and  action against  Gayatri Panda, sarapanch  recommended  for initiation of  proceedings  under  section 115  of Odisha Gram Panchayat Act.  On 15.9.20.,  On  the  basis  of the  report  of the  Collector, Jajpur  and views  of the Minister, Panchayat Raj and DW,  the  Lokayukta , Odisha  directed  to the  State  Govt.  to ensure  completion of  the  disciplinary  proceedings  against 3 officials  within a period of  5 months. The  Lokayukta also  recommended  to the  Principal secretary, Dept. of Panchayat Raj  and DW  to immediately initiate  proceedings  under  section 115  of the  Odisha Gram Panchayat Act , 1964 and  complete  the  proceedings within 5  months.  They have  challenged  order  of Lokayukta  in High Court. Though  the High Court  has  not granted  any stay , the  administration is yet to take  any  action against  them.

 Case No.-5: Misappropriation of  Rs.  1,80,180.00  by officials  of Jajapur Tahasil, Jajpur   in name  of setting up of  pillars  in Mineral  Lease  areas under  Dharmashala Tahasil .

 While  responding  to an Assembly  Query  raised  by the MLAs , Mr. Sudam Marandi, Hon’ble Minister  for  Revenue  and Disaster Management, Govt. of  Odisha  replied  dt. 20.11.19 that (  Point No. 4) DGPS  Survey  has been  conducted  by ORSAC  for pillar  posting in mineral lease areas  in order  to check  theft  of  minor minerals across the  state.  With reference to this  reply  of  Hon’ble Minister, RTI  Application dt. 21.11.19  was  submitted by Sarbeswar Behura  to the PIO, office  of the  District  Collector, Jajpur  seeking  information about details  of fund  utilized  for   DGPS  Survey  and Pillar  posting  in mineral lease  areas  in order  to check  theft  of minor  mineral  in Dharmashala Tahasil.   The Senior   Revenue  Assistant   of Revenue  Section of  the  collectorate, Jajpur  supplied the  information that  Rs. 1,80,180.00  has been utilized  for  setting  pillar  post  under Dharmashala Tahasil.    Armed with  this information, Sarbeswar personally  inspected  all the  minor mineral lease  areas  of Dharmashala Tahasil  to find out  pillar  post  established  to check mineral theft.  But  he could  not  find  a  single  post  in any place  under  the said Tahasil.  The whole amount has been misappropriated by the officials of Dharmashala  tahasil . He filed complaint to  Lokayukta , Odisha  to  conduct an inquiry into the matter. The case was registered as LY-1249/20.  Lokayukta  has already  directed  Collector,  Jajpur  and  Tahasildar  , Dharmashala to file  the reply. The case is pending.

  Case No. 6: -    Loss  of  Crores  of rupess  revenue  to state  exchequer  due to  unholy alliance  of  District administration, Jajpur  with  mining lease  holder Sri Trinath Jena, At/Post-Aruha, Dist-Jajpur

 On 1.9.2017, the  Tahasildar, Dharmashala  following OMMC Rules -2016  issued  advertisement  inviting application   from bidders  for  granting  lease  for Aruha  Black Stone Quarry No. 1   under Dharmashala Tahasil  of Jajpur  district for  a period of  five years. The  land  schedule  is  as follows.

LAND SCHEDULED

Mouza

Khata No. with status

Plot

Area

Kisam

Aruha

779 (AAA)

2811 (P)

Ac. 3.00

Pahada

 

On 25.9.2017,  the  sealed  tender Box  was  opened  before the Bidders.  All together 5 nos of application were received in respect of the quarry  on scrutiny  of the documents. After scrutiny,  the following bidders came out  successful as first and second.

Sl.No

Name and address

Additional charge offered

B.G./ Solvency

EMD

1

Harihar Sahoo

380.00

Rs. 580000.00

Not  submitted 

Rejected

2

Kartik Ch. Behera

222.00

Rs. 8000000.00

Rs. 175000.00

3

Trinath Jena

Rs. 80.00

Rs. 3000000.00

Rs.106000.00

As  the  1st highest bidder  failed  to deposit  security  deposit  and his letter of acceptance , the 2nd highest  bidder  Sri Trinath Jena , Ar/Post-Aruha, Dist-Jajpur  was   granted  lease  of Ac. 3.00  for black stone quarry from the  period 2017-18  to 2021-22.  Sarbeswar complained before Lokayukta dt. 24.11.20   that   as per  land  record  available  with  us,  the  black stone quarry area ( Pahada)  is about  Ac.  153. 630 in which only Ac.3.00 has been leased to Sri Trinath Jena, lease holder.  But  this  Trinath Jena  has   undertaken  black stone  quarry  and extracted  illegally  lakhs of tones of black stone  throughout  the  Hill  covering  100 acres  of area   in collusion  with  Tahasildar, Dharmashala  and local  police.  This  illegal  black stone quarry  has  caused  crores  of rupess  revenue loss  to state  exchequer  with  knowledge  of  Collector, Jajpur  and Tahasildar, Dharmashala who are  the beneficiary  of this  illegal money earned  from illegal mining . Taking cognizance of the matter LY -1355/20, the Lokayukta has directed Collector, Jajapur and Tahasildar, Dharmashal  to reply   on this  allegation.

 Case No.7: Non-Closure of Operation of Crusher Unit by Collector, Jajpur

 On 6.7.20., while  filing  complaint before Lokayukta,  Sarbeswar stated  that on 17.3.20., he had  submitted RTI Application to the PIO, office of Regional Office, Odisha State  Pollution Control Board,  Odisha, Jajpur Road seeking  information about  details  of permission ( consent  to operate)  granted  to Crusher Units to  operate  in Jajpur  district. On 31.3.20, the PIO supplied all the required information.  While  going  through  the  document,  he  observed  that the Regional office  vide letter No. 325/PC-106  dt. 12.2.2019 has issued   letter to the Collector, Jajpur district   for implementation of direction of closure of hot mix plants in Dharmashala Tahsil.  Earlier the said  office  has  issued  several  closure  notice  to the 5 hot mix plants  vide  letter  no. 26 dt. 9.1.2018, letter no. 827 dt. 15.3.2016, letter no. 32 dt. 9.1.2018 , letter no. 94 dt. 15.1.2018 & letter  no. 100 dt.  15.1.2018  for  closure  of this  plant  which  is  being  operated  without  obtaining  consent  to establish  and consent  to operate   which  is  violation of  Water  Act, 1974 and Air Act, 1981.   Despite  several  letters  sent  by State Pollution Control Board,  the Collector  having  nexus  with  these  plants  has not   taken any steps  for   physical closure  of  operation  of these  five  Hot  mix plants  ( M/s Kalibalia  Hot Mix plant, M/s  Infra engineers Private Limited, M/S  Bhabani  Kinkar  Infrastructure  Pt. Ltd., M/s M.D.S. Hot Mix Plant , M/s Divine  Construction   in Dharmashala Block. The  operation  of these  plants  has   destroyed  the environment  causing  huge  loss  to the  life and livelihood of the  local people.  Lokayukta  has already issued  notice  to the  Collector, Jajpur  seeking reply  on this allegation.

 Case No.8:  Loss  of   Revenue  of crores  of  rupees   due  to  operation  of illegal quarry of  black granite  stone and running  of  illegal crusher units   around Bichhakhandi  Hills  under Dharmashal Tahasil  of Jajpur  district  by  mining  mafias in collusion with   officials of Revenue  and Forest Dept. and  Police  administration  of Jajpur  district

 Bichhakhandi Hill , area  of Ac. 890.27 dcl.  Comes under BICHHAKHANDI  Mouza  of  Dharmashal Tahasil  is  located  adjacent  to Balaram Pur Protected Reserve Forest  in Jajpur  district.   This Hill  is full of Black  granite stone . As it comes under category of Protected Reserve Forest, no permission has been granted  for leasing out  this Hill for extraction of minerals by Govt. of India. Due to huge illegal  mining operation, the  forested  covered Hill has almost become barren land .  As per the information obtained  under RTI from office of Tahasildar, Dharmashala   and  office of DFO, Cuttack Forest Division, illegal  quarry of Black granite stone   is going on  in large scale in and around Bichhakhandi Hill  by mining mafias since  last few years. Though it is a forest land , no forest  clearance  has been obtained  from Ministry of Environment and Forest, Govt. of India. No lease has been granted  to anybody  for  Black stone quarry  in this Hill.  This large scale  illegal quarry  along with  excavation of  thousands  of tones of minerals  is going on openly  with  the knowledge  of the  officials of Revenue  Department and Forest Department and  local  police. Tons  of Black stones  are  excavated  and sold  by Mafias  with the  knowledge  of the administration  causing  huge  loss  to  state  exchequer. Huge extraction of  mineral has caused    environmental hazard  in the locality.

 Sarbeswar   brought it  to the  notice  of the district administration several times  to take  steps against Mafias. On  12.7.2019,  he wrote letter   to several authorities i.e., Chief  Secretary, Odisha, Revenue  Divisional  Commissioner, Central Division,  Collector, Jajpur,  Chairman, State Pollution Control board,  SP, Jajpur, Tahasildar, Dharmashala seeking  immediate  action to stop  illegal  stone  quarry  in Bicchakhandi Hill.  On 7.2.19,  the  Tahasildar, Dharmashala  has  written  to  Divisional Forest  Officer, Cuttack Forest Division, Cuttack  intimating   him about  large scale  illegal  stone quarry  in many  places of  Bichhakhandi  Hill   which has caused  huge  revenue loss  and  environmental  imbalance  in the area.  He has requested DFO, Cuttack to take appropriate action against mining mafias and maintain environment balance. On 28.3.2019, Tahasildar, Dharmashala  again  wrote the  letter  to DFO, Cuttack Forest Division appraising  him  about  operation of  large no. of  illegal quarries  and running  of illegal crusher Units  in and around Bichhakhandi Hill. He has requested DFO, Cuttack  to check/ prevent illegal mining  and running of crusher Units  in the  forest land.   On 8,2.19,  the  DFO, Cuttack Forest Division wrote  letter  to the  Collector, Jajpur  appraising  him about  huge  illegal operation of  mining activity  and requested  for  taking  quick  action along  with  cancellation of NOC  to Crusher Units  and  establish  along  the peripheral boundary  around  Balarampur  PRF.  He has  requested  to the  Collector , Jajpur  to  conduct  regular joint raid  involving  district administration and police administration ( letter  of DFO is attached as annexture-5). But  till yet, the  District Collector, Jajpur  has not  taken any  steps  to check  illegal  mining  operation in the  Hill.

 As  per  information obtained  under RTI,   the  Collector, Jajpur  has  granted NOC  to  12  no. of  crusher  units  for  its  operation in Dharmashala  Tahasil. But hundreds of Crusher Units  are  in operation in Dharmashal  Tahasil   and around  Bichhakhandi  Hill. Though  District administration is aware  about  this illegal  mining  operation , no step  was  taken  because  of  nexus  of the  officials  with  mining mafias  who are  backed  by political leaders  of the  ruling party.   The  mining mafias  have engaged  a number  of local people  for  extraction of  black stone  in the Hill.  It  is  reported  that  as  there  is no safety  measures and  protective  equipment  is not  provided  to the  labourers, many  of  them succumbed to death.  The  police, Jenapur  police station has  registered  two no. of  cases  of human causalities     against  mining mafias  for  death  of  labourers   who were  engaged  in mining work.  On 8.2.21., Sarbeswar  filed  complaint  petition in the  office  of lokayukta, Odisha seeking  crime branch  inquiry  into the matter  and take  appropriate  legal action  against mining mafias  and Govt. officials. Lokayukta  registered  the case LY No.- 120/21  and  issued  notice  to the  District  Collector, Tahasildar, Dharmashala  to  file  their  reply  and fixed  13.4.21  for  hearing  of the case.

 Case  No.9:  PDS  Scam

 In view of large scale-corruption and irregularities in distribution of food grains  to the beneficiaries, denial of  ration to some families and collection of higher price per litre of kerosene  from the Ration Card holders in  Dharmashala Block, Sarbeswar Behura  took up this issue and made a thorough survey to identify  the beneficiaries who have been denied ration under NFSA. On 6.4.20., he filed a PIL case No. WPC 11667/20  in Odisha High Court drawing attention of the  court about  denial of ration to eligible households,  rampant  Fake Ration Card  in Dharmashala block, loot of rice by Dealers  and Govt. officials  and prayed  for seeking  direction for the inquiry into it and supply of ration to all bonafide ration card holders  under PDS. Acting on the Writ petition, on 3.8.20, the hon’ble High Court directed   to  State Govt. , Collector, Jajpur  and DO, Dharmashala  to  conduct an inquiry  and complete  the same within six weeks. While  conducting  inquiry, the district administration  cancelled  card  of many fake  beneficiaries and  included  many  genuine beneficiaries in the list.

 Case  No. 10 :  Dankari  Loot causing  loss  of  thousands  of crores  to state  exchequer.

Dankari Mining Loot- Another Mega Mining Scam worth Rs. 4000 crores perpetuated by BJD leaders and Govt. officials under Nabin Patnaik Govt.  in Odisha. This  is a glaring  case  of loot  of  minerals engineered  by  Nabin Patnaik, Chief Minister  and his Ministers  MLAs  causing  crores of rupees  revenue  loss  and protecting  mining  mafia  and erring  officials.

i.                    NGT Order – Eye Opener

 The  issue  of  Dankari  Mining  loot  has  come to  limelight  after  intervention and series of orders passed  by  National Green Tribunal  following  complaint petition No. 604/2018  filed  by Sarbeswar Behura , RTI  Activist   and Member  of Odisha  soochana adhikar Abhijan. The gist of the order of NGT dated 4.1.19 is as follows.

 A.    Chief  Secretary, Govt. of Odisha was directed  to initiate appropriate  departmental action  for the misconduct  of the officers  involved  in permitting illegal   black stone quarrying  as found  by the inspection committee  constituted  by NGT. Apart  from  such disciplinary  action, the state  has to recover  the cost of illegally  mined material, cost of damage  to environment , Net present Value  of ecological services  foregone  as well as  cost of restoration  of the environment.

 B.                     The State  Govt.  and statutory  authorities   must anticipate, prevent  and attack  the causes  of environment degradation  and are accountable  for inaction  as well as collusion.

 C.                     To uphold rule of  law  and accountability  of those  who are  trustees  of  environment , the  state machinery  is required  to  compensate  for their negligence  and failure  which may act  as deterrent against  the officers  who neglected  their basic duty  of protecting the environment  or colluded with the polluters  and law violators.  This  is required  as a part of  principle  of “ polluter pays”  which applies  not only to actual polluters  or enable pollution  to be caused  and also  for the negligence  of  public duties , adversely  affecting  the citizens.

 D.     The  State Govt.   can not  avoid  the  responsibility  for the damage  caused  to the environment.  Accordingly  , NGT  held  the  state  Govt. to  be liable  to deposit  an interim  compensation  of Rs. 25 crores  which may be  deposited  with the  Central  Pollution  Control Board  within one month, pending the final assessment  on receipt of the report  of the  committee being  constituted.  The State  Govt.  has the liberty  to recover  the amount  from  the erring  officers  and the  illegal  miners/ stone crushers . The amount  recovered  will be utilized  for restoration of  environment  and for the  welfare  of  mine workers  and local population affected  by diseases  due to illegal mining.

 E.      NGT   also  constituted a joint committee  of representatives of CPCB, Indian school of mines, Dhanabad,  and Chairman,  State  Environment  Impact Assessment Authority ( SEIAA)  to  make an assessment  of the amount of illegally mined materials , cost of damage to environment , net present value  of ecological services foregone  as well as  cost  of restoration of the environment  and exemplary  damages .

 F.       NGT  has  fixed  6.5.19  for next  hearing of the case.

 ii.                  Sequence  of  Struggle  of RTI Activist  leading to intervention of NGT

 ·         Dankari Hill forest  area , storehouse  of blackstone mines  comes  under  jurisdiction  of Dharmashala Tahsil  of Jajpur  district, Odisha.  This area, habitation of 700  population  of Dankari village  under Mahisara Gram Panchayat   is 15 kms   away  from Dharmashala Tahsil. Sribasa  Jena ,  a former  Zilla Parishad of Biju Janata Dal,  rulling party , highly  politically  influential  person  closely  connected  to local MLA  and  state  power corridor  undertook   illegal  mining  operation I,e,  extraction of  black stone mines  in Dankari Hill  with  complete   support  from district administration  in 2002. He carried out wagon  drill for   black stone mining quarry which caused  huge  water  and environment  pollution  in the locality.

 ·         When  his illegal  mining  extraction was at  peak stage,  Sarbeswar Behura, RTI Activist  from 2012  started   filling  series of RTI Application to different  offices including  office of Tahasil,  Dharmashala,  Collector,   Jajpur  and Deputy Director, Mines, Jajpur Road  seeking  information about details of lease  granted ,  area covered, copy of environment  clearance , details of royalty  paid  etc. The  information provided  by different  offices  exposed  about  mining  operation  without  valid lease  and  environment clearance.  Then ,  Sarbeswar  filed  series of complaints  to  different authorities  with prayer  to stop  illegal  mining  operation in Dankari Hill.  But due to political pressure, no authority  did  take  any action against  the  illegal miner.

 ·         Then, in 2014, he  filed  a PIL case  in Odisha High Court  seeking  direction of the  court  to stop  illegal  mining  operation  in Dankari Hill. But  he could not  get appropriate  order  from the  court.  In the meantime , in 2015,  30 to 40  villagers  died  of kidney  damage, liver problem  and other  diseases  due to huge  water  and environment  pollution.  A large number  of  villagers  are also  found suffering  from various diseases  due to  pollution generated from  illegal  mining  operation.

 ·         Then, Sarbeswar filed  complaint case  No. 4323/15  in Odisha Human Rights Commission  on 30.11.15  seeking  direction for   inquiry  into  illegal mining operation and  to check health  hazard  in the area. OHRC issued direction to Satya Mallik,  the then  Collector, Jajpur  to conduct  inquiry  and take action accordingly.

 ·         The  Collector  in his letter  No. 3408  dated  27.11.15  ordered  for  closure  of operation of illegal mining   in Dankari Hill. On  13.12.15,  he  also  wrote letter  to Deputy Director, Mines, Jajpur Road  to quantify  total amount of  Black stone mines extracted  from the  Hill .  In response to letter of the Collector, the Deputy Director, mines, Jajpur Road   submitted   a report dt. 18.3.16  to the  Collector  in which he has mentioned that  total quantity  of  73, 38, 012.5 cum  has been illegally  extracted   by the  Mining  operator.

 ·         On 10.5.16, the   Collector, Jajpur  wrote  a letter  to Secretary , Revenue and Disaster Management  informing about  illegal  mining operation  in Dankari Hill , loss of  royalty   due to illegal mining  operation and suggested  for a state squard  to make an assessment  of damage  done /loss of revenue sustained to state government.  

 

·         On 18.5.16, the  Collector  wrote  a letter  to Tahasildar  attaching  report  of  Deputy Director, Mines, Jajpur Road  to quantify  revenue  loss of   amount  of  black stone mines  extracted  by deducting  the royalty paid  by  the mining operator.   The  Tahasildar   calculated  details of royalty  amount deposited  by Sribasa Jena  against  mining extracted to the tune of  14,15,596 cum and compare  it with  figure  of total amount of mining extracted  as per report of Deputy Director, Mines. The Tahasildar wrote  a letter  to  Sribasa Jena, Mining operator  about  extraction of excess  amount  of mining  69,22, 016  cum  against  which  royalty  amount  Rs. 58, 62, 79, 633.00  to be deposited  with  copy  marked to  Collector.

 ·          On 8.6.16, Sribasa Jena challenged   the order of Tahasildar   in Odisha High Court and got stay order. On 28.9.16, the  High  Court  ordered  for fresh inquiry  and provide  reasonable  opportunity  to  Sribasa Jena  of being  heard  prior to taking  any decision  about   fixation of royalty.

 ·         On 21.6.16, Mr. Deepak Mohanty, Director, Mines  wrote  a letter to the  Collector, Jajpur  to constitute a committee comprising  the revenue, Mining   and police officials  for  getting  reassessment done  with the assistance  of State level  Enforcement  squad  of this directorate.

 ·         On 4.7.16., Sri Abhaya Nayak, Joint  Secretary, R7DM  wrote a letter  to  the Collector, Jajpur  that

i.     Collector  shall  calculate  the royalty  amount  for the excessquantity  of black stone  extracted  by the lessee and issue demand  notice  to Sri Sribasa Jena , the lessee  and recover the same immediately.

ii.   Penalty  may  also be levied  for the illegal extraction  of  the minerals  from  the sources.

iii. Total extent of revenue  loss and excess lifting  should be  assessed by  the  joint team  comprising  officers of Mines and Revenue administration, constituted  Collector, Jajpur.

iv.  Collector  should file FIR  for the theft  of black stone  to  the extent excess  than  the allotted quantity.

v.    Collector  may initiate  disciplinary  proceedings against the concerned R.I.s  and recommend  with memo of evidence  for drawal of proceedings  against Tahasildars  and other  higher  authorities.

vi.  On the basis of  the facts  reported  and theft done in violation of the lease conditions, the lease agreement , if in force any,  should  be terminated  by  the  Collector  following due  procedure  of law.

vii.            Immediate  steps  should be taken for  fresh auction  of the  source, as per revised  OMMC Rules.

 ·   Following  order  of Department of  Revenue  and Disaster Management  dated 4.7.16,  the  Additional district  Magistrate ( ADM), Jajpur  dt. 23.8.16  submitted  to the  Collector, Jajpur framing  the memorandum   of evidence  for  drawal of  proceedings   under  Rule-15  of the Orissa Civil  Services ( Classification, Control  and Appeal ) Rules, 1962 against the 10  erring  Revenue  Inspectors  of Dankari  R.I. Circle  under Dharmashala Tahsil  in connection with  the illegal extraction  of Black stone  from Dankari  Black stone quarry  and loss of revenue  incurred during their  incumbency  as Revenue  Inspectors.  The   Revenue  Inspectors  were  directed  to submit their written statement of defence   within 30 days  from the date  of receipt of memorandum  and also to state  if they  desire  to be heard  in person.

 ·   On  6.8.16., the ADM  submitted  to Revenue  and Disaster  Management  the  draft proceedings  against the 10 erring  Tahasildars  of Dharmashala in connection with  the illegal extraction  of Black stone  from Dankari  Black stone quarry  and loss of revenue  incurred during their  incumbency  as Tahasildars.   The   Tahasildars   were  directed  to submit their written statement of defence  within 30 days  from the date  of receipt of memorandum  and also to state  if they  desire  to be heard  in person.

 ·   Similarly,  on 11.8.16,  the ADM  submitted  to Revenue  and Disaster  Management  the  draft proceedings  against the 6  erring  Sub-Collectors    in connection with  the illegal extraction  of Black stone  from Dankari  Black stone quarry  and loss of revenue  incurred during their  incumbency  as Sub-Collectors.   The    Sub-Collectors were  directed  to submit their written statement of defence  within 30 days  from the date  of receipt of memorandum  and also to state  if they  desire  to be heard  in person.

 Though notice  for  disciplinary  proceedings  was  issued  to  10 Revenue Inspectors, 10 Tahasildars  and 6  Sub-Collectors,    it  was kept  pending for  years together. No action was  taken against  erring  officials  till yet. These  officials  were protected  by the State  Government, political  leaders , local MLA  and  others.

·      Then Sarbeswar  Behuria  filed  complaint  to  NGT   IN July  2018  seeking inquiry  into  illegal mining  extraction  and played  for   action against the  officials.  After  registering  the  Complaint  No. 604/2018, NGT  has ordered   dated 31.8.18.  to the Secretary, Department of Forest  to constitute  a team  with representatives  from SPCB, Sate  Level environment  Impact Assessment  Authority 9SEIAA), Odisha  and  Collector, jajpur  and  a representative  from forest department  and  to furnish  an action taken report.  The Forest  Dept. submitted the  report  to NGT  on 7.12.18.  Following  which  the NGT  passed above-mentioned order .

 iii.                Harassment  of Sarbeswar Behura

While  taking up this issue , Sarbeswar has faced a lot of difficulties .  He  has been  attacked  by the  goons  several times and threatened  of attack  and murder.  Five number of false cases have been filed  against him in local police station.  His  home was broken down and set fire  by miscreants.

  Sarbeswar’s relentless  struggle  and fight to expose  corrupt officials, mining mafia and disgruntled BJD leaders  has  brought to limelight  mega loot  of mineral sources and revenue loss of  thousands of crores . In some  cases, he has succeeded  and  in some other cases, he is struggling.    The  petrol attack on him is the large r conspiracy  of  Mining mafia,  BJD leaders, local MLA   Pranab Balaantaray and corrupt  revenue officials  and police  administration to finish him.

  Prepared  by

Pradip Pradhan

State  Convener

Odisha Soochana Adhikar Abhijan

M-9937843482

Date- 30.3.21

 








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