Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala - A statewide vigilance probe has uncovered widespread corruption in the state's soil mining and transportation sector. Officials from various departments allegedly accepted bribes totalling ₹4.69 lakh from soil contractors and applicants through UPI transactions.
The inspections, carried out under 'Operation Earth Guard', covered 14 district Mining and Geology offices, 72 local self-government institutions, and 360 locations flagged for suspected violations.
According to the probe, officials failed to act against violations, allegedly after accepting bribes or undue influence, resulting in substantial loss of government revenue.
The department has directed authorities to initiate legal proceedings against those involved and will issue notices to landowners, imposing penalties up to five times the applicable royalty.
Vigilance officials warned that illegal soil mining poses a serious threat to the state's ecological balance and will continue further investigations.
