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NGO Arappor Iyakkam Alleges Massive Mining Corruption Scandal In TN, Accuses DMK MP Gnanathiraviyam Of Scam

The Commune

In a recent development in Tamil Nadu, Arappor Iyakkam, an anti-corruption NGO, has alleged a significant scandal in Tirunelveli. The allegations are directed at DMK Member of Parliament S Gnanathiraviyam, implicating him in corruption charges related to the illegal mining of rough stone and gravel. The NGO claimed an estimated loss to the government in this corruption surpassed ₹700 Crores primarily occurring in the district of Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, and one quarry in Tirupur.

In a letter addressed to the Director of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) in Chennai, the complaint exposes how individuals, including the former Commissioner of Geology and Mines, Jayakanthan IAS, 53 quarry owners, Tirunelveli MP Gnana Draviyam, SAV Group owner and DMK leader Graham Bell, and others associated with the ruling DMK party, have allegedly manipulated the acts and rules of the mining department to evade penalties for illegal mining. The NGO urged the DVAC to initiate an FIR against these individuals, accusing them of involvement in corrupt practices.

Rampant illegal mining in Tirunelveli district came to light following a tragic incident in May 2022 at a quarry in Adamithipankulam near Tharuvai Village, Palayamkottai Taluk. The incident resulted in the unfortunate death of four workers due to a landslide. Subsequent investigations brought to light several violations committed by the lessee, Sankaranarayanan. These included deviations from approved mining plans and environmental regulations. As a consequence of these infractions, quarrying operations at the site were promptly suspended. It is worth noting that the district had over 50 operational quarries, with a notable concentration in the Irukkanthurai panchayat of Radhapuram Taluk.

Following the incident, the then Director of Geology and Mines, Nirmalraj IAS, established six teams to scrutinize all quarries in Tirunelveli for potential violations. The inspection, conducted from 22 May 2022, and 27 May 2022, revealed illegal mining activities in 53 out of 54 stone quarries, involving quantities beyond permitted limits. Subsequently, the Sub Collector of Cheranmadevi imposed penalties on each quarry involved in illegal mining based on the inspection report. A total of ₹262 Crores was levied in penalties for violations identified in 24 quarries, as revealed through the Right to Information Act disclosed by the NGO.

Unexpectedly, after the inspection and submission of the report, Director Nirmal Raj was replaced, and Jayakanthan IAS took on the position of Commissioner in June 2022. At the same time, District Collector Vishnu IAS temporarily shut down all quarries due to widespread illegal mineral extraction. The NGO alleges political pressure from Radhapuram MLA and State Legislative Assembly Speaker Appavu and Tirunelveli MP Gnana Draviyam on Collector Vishnu in July 2022.

Reporters questioned DMK leader, “Lakhs of construction workers are out of work today because all the quarries have been shut down. Today, a ton of stone which was 400 rupees, costs 800, sand, which was 600 rupees, is 1300 rupees. Today in Kudankulam, all the jobs have been stopped, and many lakhs of people are losing their jobs, what is the solution for this?”

He responded sarcastically saying, “I will bring what you are saying to the attention of the Chief Minister and immediately arrange for jobs for the unemployed.”

Immediately, Radhapuram MLA and Speaker Appavu interceded, gesturing to Collector Vishnu for a response. The MLA stated, “Collector will tell,” to which the Collector replied, “This matter is under consideration, it is in practice.” Appavu quickly interrupted, saying, “Tell them within how many days,” and the Collector responded, “No sir, that cannot be revealed now.”

The press conference quickly turned into a heated exchange as MP Gnana Draviyam raised his voice, expressing frustration, “It’s already been 60 days, and 50,000 people are unemployed. Already late.” Another DMK leader attempted to calm him down, saying, “Brother, please wait, please be silent.” However, the MP, still agitated, raised his voice again, prompting the other DMK leader to ask, “What is this brother, please be silent. Is tthis your home?“

Arappor Iyakkam claimed that doubts were raised in the appeal process as quarry owners directly appealed to the Commissioner of Geology and Mining, J Jayakanthan IAS, deviating from the prescribed procedure of appealing to the district Collector. In a surprising move, Jayakanthan IAS reduced the total penalty for 24 quarries to just ₹13.83 Crores, appearing to legitimize widespread illegal mining activities and facilitating the reopening of quarries implicated in illegal mining by overturning previous decisions.

Therefore, the NGO Arappor Iyakkam alleges a significant connection between Jayakanthan IAS and numerous quarry owners linked to the ruling DMK party in Tamil Nadu. The organization emphasizes allegations of penalties being reduced for the SAV Group, DMK MP Gnanathiraviam, and their associates. They alleged violations of established appeal procedures, favoritism towards politically connected DMK quarry owners, and suggest a coordinated effort to exert pressure on officials to reopen operations related to rough stone and gravel.

(With inputs From Arappor Iyakkam)

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