Post News Network
Joda, Sept 16: Close on the heels of raids by Enforcement Directorate, Vigilance sleuths Wednesday conducted raids on the office and mine of Sirajuddin in Joda mining circle of Keonjhar. Notably, Sirajuddin mine has been embroiled in multi-crore mining scam, as pointed out by MB Shah Commission and Central Empowered Committee.
Sources said a team of 19 officials from commercial tax wing of the Vigilance department carried out searches in its office and mines. It is learnt that Vigilance sleuths seized various documents and files of the company during the raids.
Several officials of deputy directorate of Joda mining circle including senior mines inspector Laxman Barik were present during the raids. Deputy commissioner (Commercial Tax) Sukant Das, commercial tax officer Karunakar Das, Kamala Lochan Parida, assistant CTO Manasranjan Mallick and other officials including Antaryami Das, Keshab Chandra Naik, Sanjay Kumar Rout and Keonjhar Vigilance officer Hemalata Nayak took part in the raid.
Sources said, the officials verified documents related to mineral booking and approval of mineral transport and gross and annual turnover of the mining firm.
The Vigilance sleuths also checked documents related to payments made by the mineral purchasers.
When contacted, general manager of Sirajuddin mine, Nihar Nayak confirmed that Vigilance sleuths verified various documents and the company officials cooperated with the raiding team. However, Vigilance officials refused to comment on the issue.
Officials of the Enforcement Directorate had conducted raids on its office and mine July 9, 2015, while Central Excise officials raided its office September 11, 2015.