Geologists transferred after news of illegal mining reported

IDUKKI: Following reports of illegal mining, geologists in ten districts have been transferred. Idukki district geologist has been transferred to Kannur. Assistant geologists who were investigating the mining have also been transferred. No one has been replaced in Idukki. The transfer is in the name of reducing workload.

An investigation was announced yesterday against CPM Idukki district secretary, his son and son-in-law on a complaint of illegal mining. The complaint is that CPM Idukki district secretary C V Varghese, his son Amal and son-in-law Sajith illegally mined rock and smuggled soil from various villages in Udumbanchola.

Idukki District Collector V Vigneshwari ordered the investigation following a written complaint in the name of ‘public servant fearing for his life’. The collector had directed the tahsildars and respective village officers to investigate the complaint filed on December 11.

The sub-collectors have also been directed to investigate illegal mining in the district. Though the district geologist had reported to the collector that Sajith was involved in illegal mining and that rock was quarried from government’s puramboke land, no action was taken.