I’m not into illegal mining, says Anil Lad

Anil Lad, MLA, distributing cheques as compensation to people whose houses were damaged by heavy rain, in Bellary on Wednesday.

Anil Lad, mine lessee and MLA, has denied any involvement in the illegal export of iron ore through the Belikeri port, and said he has not been issued notices by investigation agencies.

“I have not received notices from any investigation agency, including the CBI. Earlier, CBI had served notices on all those who had exported [ore] from the Belikeri port, including our firm, seeking details of the permits submitted. Other than that, I have not received any notice,” he told presspersons here on Wednesday. “If my detractors have any proof of my involvement , let them move the CBI. I am ready to face an inquiry,” he added.

Replying to a question if local party leaders were responsible for the denial of a ministerial berth for him, Mr. Lad said it was beyond the capacity of local leaders to do so.

Some freedom fighters issued statements on how the Congress, which fought against illegal mining, induct those into mining activities, and this was the reason for his non-induction.On the induction of Santosh Lad, his cousin who is also into mining, Mr. Lad said: “it is all politics. Even to get [party] ticket there was politics and also later on whom to include in the Ministry. I am a party worker and will work for it and also for the welfare of the people,” he said. Replying to another question if he was hopeful of being inducted in the Ministry, Mr. Lad replied in the affirmative.

Earlier, Mr. Lad visited some of the localities where houses were damaged following heavy rain on Monday, and distributed cheques as compensation.