Tapal Ganesh Demands ₹884 Crore from Obulapuram Mining for Illegal Ore Extraction

Fast Summary

• Activist’s Demand: Ballari-based miner and activist Tapal Ganesh has appealed to the Karnataka government to recover ₹884 crore from Obulapuram mining Company (OMC) and its associates for allegedly extracting 29 lakh tonnes of iron ore illegally from Sandur cluster leases in Ballari district.
• Allegations Against OMC: OMC, under former minister Gali Janardhana Reddy’s leadership, is accused of illegally mining and transporting iron ore using permits from its lease in Andhra Pradesh.
• Evidence Cited: Multiple reports were cited:

– Central Empowered Committee report (2011).
– Final Lokayukta report on illegal mining in Karnataka.
– Judgment by CBI court in Hyderabad in May 2025 convicting OMC directors.
– FIRs filed by the Lokayukta special Investigation Team naming Mr. Reddy as an accused.

• Call for Action: Ganesh emphasized recovering the extracted value to protect Karnataka’s resources, enforce laws, and restore public trust. He proposed a coordinated effort involving various State departments under relevant legal provisions.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The allegations of illegal mining against Obulapuram Mining Company reflect persistent challenges India faces regarding resource management and enforcement of environmental laws. With evidence derived from multiple official investigations and court rulings-including Lokayukta reports-the case demands significant attention due to its implications not only for revenue recovery but also for preserving environmental integrity.

Given the interstate scope involving both Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, effective coordination between state agencies will be critical if recovery processes are initiated. This situation highlights broader issues related to governance surrounding natural resources-a sector often marred by allegations of mismanagement or corruption. While Mr. Ganesh’s advocacy underscores the need for accountability,how efficiently legal action unfolds will serve as a precedent for handling similar cases nationwide.

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