Industry watching probe against BSY

BANGALORE: On Tuesday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) formed a team to probe the ‘serious illegalities’ in the mining scam in Karnataka.Though the main accused in the scams have “welcomed” the Supreme Court’s move for ordering the probe, industries in the state are apprehensive over their prospects given the delay in resumption of mining activities in the region.Already hit by coal and ore shortages, which were earlier sourced from the state, industries now feel they will have to wait for the outcome of case for resumption of “legal” activities.The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) in its report to the SC had recommended that 45 lessees under Category A and A(1) may be allowed to resume mining operations, subject to stipulated conditions.Other lessees would either be allowed to resume operationsor have their leases cancelled.Earlier this year, the Federation of Indian Minerals Association claimed that the ban had caused losses to the tune of over Rs 20,000 crore. Association director Pichaimuthu said that the losses were mounting with the ban in place.