Two workers, who were working with Olympus Granite – a firm which had allegedly committed a number of criminal offences as per findings of the police investigations – were arrested in Madurai on Sunday and produced before a judicial magistrate court on Monday.
Madurai district police said that Kanagu alias Chockalingam and Shanmugam Pillai of Keelavalavu near Melur had worked in the granite quarry for many years.
They had allegedly been responsible for committing offences under the Explosives Substances Act and for indulging in violations in the process of mining.
Based on confessions
They were arrested based on the confessions of a few accused behind bars now.
The police said that while Kanagu belonged to AIADMK party, Shanmugam Pillai was a DMK functionary in Keelavalavu.
It may be noted, the Union Minister M. K. Alagiri’s son Durai Dayanidhi was a partner in the Olympus Granite till a couple of years ago.
The allegations are that the granite firm had connived with Mines and Minerals department officials and indiscriminately violated the rules.
The then Deputy Director (Mines), Rajaram, who was in Madurai had been examined recently by the special team as he had allegedly played a key role in “obliging” the Minister’s son in his business, a senior officer said.
The Keelavalavu police have registered cases against the two former workers from Olympus Granites. Further investigation is on.
A senior police officer monitoring the complaints said that they are on the look out for some “key” persons in connection with the granite scam. “We are in the process of collecting specific evidence against them prior to the arrest and it would happen soon. When asked, to elaborate on the issue, the official refused.
Published - September 11, 2012 09:21 am IST
