Upalokayukta B. Veerappa. | Photo credit: File Photo
Upalokayukta B. Veerappa criticized Deputy Superintendent of Police Nagamangala Cheluvaraja for “shirking his institutional responsibility” to prevent unauthorized transportation of minor minerals.
Upalokayukta’s rapping came in response to comments made by Mr. Cheluvaraj during proceedings held earlier this week in a case involving the death of a truck driver after the tipper he was driving fell into a deep gully created by illegal mining in Bellur police station limits in Nagamangala taluk.
After the Deputy Superintendent of Police, in his statement submitted to the Upalokayukta through the Assistant Sub-Inspector of Bellur Police Station, said that “it is not his main duty to prevent illegal mining as the government intends to set up a special committee for the same and also as a police officer he is under immense pressure to do more work,” the Upalokayukta’s statement said against the appointments of Consuners Karákayukta Minernataka Minions Police Officer. (KMCC) Rules.
Under the rules, Deputy Inspectors of Police are appointed as commissioned officers who are empowered to inspect vehicles carrying minor minerals and take action against violations in their jurisdiction, Upalokayukta noted.
By claiming that he would only act on complaints, the Deputy Inspector General of Police failed to fulfill his statutory duties and undermined the regulatory framework designed to curb illegal mining. The authority considered this not only a dereliction of duty, but also an improper official procedure, especially considering the fact that the accident itself was the result of illegal mining activity that should have been prevented by routine controls and enforcement.
Upalokayukta expressed astonishment at the discrepancy between the registration number of the dump truck and its chassis number and directed the Deputy Inspector General of Police to provide detailed information on the enforcement actions taken over the past two years, including the number of officers deployed for mineral transport checks, vehicles inspected, violations found and actions taken, including seizures and prosecutions.
Further, the Upalokayukta said that a copy of the order is to be sent to the Director General of Police (DGP), Inspector of Police, Southern Range, Mysuru, and Superintendent of Police, Mandya District, with a request to “enlighten” the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Nagamangala, as well as other police officers in the state about their role in preventing unauthorized movement of minor minerals.
Published – 19 Feb 2026 20:53 IST