THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Dec. 7: The CBI, investigating illegal mining at Nimbu Pahad in Sahibganj, began conducting raids at the premises of Pankaj Mishra, the chief minister’s MLA representative, today.
According to sources, the central agency is likely to raid the premises of Bijay Hansda, Pavitra Yadav and Chotu Yadav too.
Mishra is cooling his heels in the Birsa Munda jail in a money laundering case.
Jharkhand High Court order
Notably, the CBI lodged an FIR against Pankaj Mishra, Bijay Hansda and six others on November 20 in the illegal mining case on Nimbu Pahad in Sahibganj in pursuance of the Jharkhand High Court order on August 18.
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The court had issued the orders on the petition of Bijay Hansda, who alleged that for the last two-and-a-half years, “stone mafias” have been doing “illegal mining” in connivance with government officials including mining officials of his district. However, Hansda, a key witness of the ED, later took a U-turn and wanted to withdraw his case, indicating some foul play.
The court asked the CBI to first hold a preliminary enquiry and then take further action by law.
The CBI, in its preliminary enquiry, found that Bijay Hansda acted under the influence of Mishra and others and later lodged an FIR.
Mishra had also challenged the Jharkhand High Court order in the Supreme Court but did not get any relief.
