The mining mafia has been actively looting the laterite mines in Chinturu, Gajenapudi and Vanthada villages in Prathipadu Mandal of East Godavari district with the help of local revenue, forest officers and active support and participation by leaders of political parties. On 2nd May, under the leadership of CPI ML (liberation), the local struggle committee opposing laterite mining’ conducted a mass rally from R.T.C bus stand to the Tehsildar’s office demanding the arrest of the mining mafia and also the recovery of nearly 500 crores looted. Hundreds of agricultural workers, small farmers, Dalits and tribals participated in the march.
Com Bugatha Bangaru Raju, party CCM said that the Mandal revenue officer had issued NOCs (No objection certificates) without any enquiry. After people protested, the District Joint Collector admitted this in his report and recommended a fine of Rs .12 crores on mining companies. But no action was taken, and some suspended officers got stay orders from the courts. Com. Raju demanded immediate action offending officers and mining mafia.
Com Harinath, District Secretary of CPI LM (liberation), East Godavari said the AP Assembly enquiry committee on the scam found that more than Rs. 500 crores worth of laterite had been illegally mined in forest land.
After the sit in dharana in front of the Revenue office, the committee leaders submitted a memorandum to the authorities. Along with CPL (ML) leaders, Com R. Simhachalam, president of the adivasi Girijana Sangam, Com Manukonda Lachababu, Apparao, T.Nageswararao also participated in the protest.
