Vigilance targets mining corruption, raids Geology offices and local bodies

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has conducted raids at offices of the Mining and Geology Department and local self-government institutions to uncover corruption and irregularities related to soil mining and transportation. The raid, named “Operation Earth Guard,” began at around 10:30 AM yesterday and continued into the night. Inspections are also being carried out at sites where soil has allegedly been removed illegally.

Vigilance had received complaints that transit passes and permits obtained for construction and house-building purposes were being misused for illegal soil removal. The raids were conducted on the instructions of Vigilance Director Manoj Abraham, following information about widespread violations, irregularities, and corruption in soil mining activities.

According to reports, soil is being illegally excavated beyond permitted limits and in larger quantities. Hills and small mountains are being flattened, altering the natural landscape, and the land is being used for real estate purposes.

The raids covered 72 offices, including 14 district Mining and Geology offices and 58 local self-government institutions.

Bribery allegations
Vigilance has also received information that some officials in the Mining and Geology Department and local bodies are issuing passes and permits illegally after accepting bribes. It is alleged that illegal mining is being carried out with the help of middlemen and the soil mafia. Permits are being widely misused for transporting soil unlawfully. Officials are also accused of deliberately avoiding inspections. These activities are reportedly causing significant financial losses to the government in the form of unpaid royalties.