Lanco accused of involved in mineral scam, fined Rs 1.15 cr

      Rajnandgaon, December 23, 2011: Power major LANCO has been accused of involved in illegal mining and transportation of minerals from Rajnandgaon district of Chhattisgarh, where it was coming up with a multi-crore project.

     The Rajnandgaon District administration has issued notices to the LANCO for its alleged involvement in illegal mining and transportation of minor minerals, official sources said here.

     “For involvement in illegal mining and transportation, LANCO has been issued a notice to pay Rs 1,15,91,400 by the District Administration,” the sources said.

     The notice was slapped after an investigation found the power major was involved in illegal mining of minor minerals in Chanwardhal, Mahrumkhurd and Mahrumkala villages of Rajnandgaon district, they said.

     Despite several attempts the LANCO authorities could not be reached. Even calls to corporation office phone numbers were remained unattended.

     On complaint from the villagers, a government release said, the District Collector conducted an investigation of the matter and after found them involved in theft in royalty and other irregularities asked the power major to reply the charges.

     During investigation it was found that LANCO was involved in mining in 57,957 cubic metre area, it said.

     The Private company had admitted involved in the illegal activities without any valid documents, because of which it was fined Rs 11,59,140 and a penalty of ten times of the royalty, Rs 1,15,92,400 had been asked to pay, the release said.