BANGALORE: The CBI, which is probing illegal mining in the state, arrested suspended Conservator of Forests and Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer S Muthaiah, and former Deputy Director of Mines and Geology S P Raju, on Monday.The duo were arrested in the city and were produced before the designated CBI Court, which remanded them in CBI custody for interrogation till May 10.Muthaiah was alleged to have abetted illegal mining in Bellary district while he was the CEO of Bellary zilla panchayat. His name also figured in the reports of Lokayukta and Central Empowered Committee (CEC) on illegal mining in the state. After his name emerged in the Lokayukta report he was transferred to Dharwad as Conservator of Forests. But he had refused to relieve himself from his Bellary posting until Chief Secretary S V Ranganath issued a stern warning to demit office.More officials are expected to be arrested for their involvement in illegal mining. The CEC report had named several officials in and around Bellary of aiding illegal mining. The CBI would pick up some more officers named in the report.
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