SIT to use satellite images to investigate illegal mining

Bengaluru:  The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Lokayukta will now utilise satellite images in illegal mining investigation.

The Lokayukta office is investigating more than 20 illegal mining cases. In connection with that, the SIT will utilize remote sensing images to find out how much of ore was unearthed from the mines.

On the basis of the report submitted by the former Lokayuktha Justice Sathosh Hegde, the SIT is investigating 69 cases related to over 50 lakh tonne ore export. Among them, charge sheets have been submitted in 28 cases and ‘B’ report has been submitted in 19 cases. The team is investigating the remaining cases.

This attempt is being made to estimate the amount of ore unearthed from the mine. With the help of Karnataka State Remote Sensing and Application Centre (KSRSAC) efforts are continued to get satellite remote sensing image-based report at a minimum expense.

Since it will take enough time to get report, SIT may submit an interim charge sheet by then.