The CPI(M) has demanded a probe by the Vigilance wing of the Cooperative Department into sand-mining permits issued to cooperative societies in the basin of the Azhikkal port.
CPI(M) district secretary P. Jayarajan demanded in a statement that the VACB probe the allegation that most of the co-operative societies granted permit for sand-mining were ‘benamis’ of Congress leaders here.
He said that over 70 societies had submitted applications for the Port Director’s permit for sand-mining in the port. Most of the 19 societies granted the permit were alleged to have relatives of Congress leaders here as their members, he said.
He said most of the societies did not have offices and book of accounts.
Mr. Jayarajan alleged that most of the societies granted the permits were not functioning as per rules governing co-operative societies.
Even ruling party leaders alleged that the sand-mining in the basin often exceeded the limit granted under the permit.
For prominent leaders
Proceeds from the sale of sand were going into the ‘pockets of prominent leaders,’ he alleged. The CPI(M) district secretary said that Muslim Youth League leaders had recently termed the District Congress Committee president as a ‘sand merchant.’ A serious investigation should be conducted in the wake of the allegation, he demanded.
