Congress welcomes CBI probe into Karnataka illegal mining case

New Delhi, Apr 21 (ANI): Congress spokesperson Manish Tiwari has welcomed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the illegal mining case involving former Karnataka chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa.

"I think that is welcome step and all those who get covered within the ambit of that enquiry, so be it, ultimately the truth has to emerge as to how the natural resources of this country were exploited by the BJP government in Karnataka," Tiwari told media here.

In a major setback to Yeddyurappa, the Supreme Court appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has ordered a CBI probe against him in connection with his role in the mining scam.

The CEC said there were gross irregularities in the allotment of mining leases by Yeddyurappa and his relatives.

Yeddyurappa, however, said he has highest faith in the judiciary.

"CEC is only a recommending authority. Its recommendation is not final. It is left to the honourable Supreme Court to take final decision. At this stage, I would not like to comment. Whatever I want to say, my advocates will submit to honourable Supreme Court. I have got highest faith in the judiciary and I will get justice," he said.

The BJP central leadership had forced Yeddyurappa to quit in July 2011 after he was indicted by the Lokayukta report on illegal mining.

Former Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde's inquiry into mining graft in Karnataka had accused Yeddyurappa and other key officials for causing a loss of at least 160 billion rupees to the state exchequer between 2006 and 2010.

Yeddyurappa tendered his resignation on July 31 to Karnataka Governor Hansraj Bhardwaj, following allegations of corruption. (ANI)