Bangalore: In a move unusual for a government official, young IPS officer Sonia Narang has reacted strongly to a statement by the chief minister in the assembly naming her in connection with mining scam in the state.
In response to a question from a legislator regarding officials involved in the Bellary mining scam, Siddaramaiah in a written reply submitted to the house on Tuesday said, “IPS officer Sonia Narang is facing allegations of encouraging illegal mining. Now she is commandant, I Battalion, KSRP, Bangalore and the government is considering action against her.” The CM’s reply also mentioned the Lokayukta report which has named 780 officials, including 191 police officers, allegedly involved in the mining scam. The CM’s statement was published in a section of the media on Wednesday.
Narang’s email to representatives of the national and local media, both print and electronic, reads: “This is with reference to the news item which highlighted that the hon’ble CM has stated in the legislative assembly that I have helped illegal miners. In this connection I would like to strongly refute the allegation that I have helped illegal mining. I have never worked in the areas where illegal mining was being done, be it Bellary, Chitradurga or any other such place. So where is the question of helping or encouraging illegal mining? Nor have I worked in the mining dept ever. I have always stood for law and by law. Hence the question of supporting illegal mining does not arise at all. I will welcome a thorough inquiry and probe into the matter so that the truth prevails. My conscience is clear as always and I will fight any charges against me legally.”
Speaking to Bangalore Mirror, Narang justified her statement and said, “I am not challenging the chief minister but just placing the facts in front of everybody. So far I have not received any official communication regarding the allegations against me. There is a malafide intention behind my name being mentioned in public for the wrong reasons as the Lokayukta report was submitted two years ago. There is a dubious person behind this and I am fighting for truth, my honesty and my integrity.”
1 Comment
Good work Mrs. Narang. After teaching a lesson to Renukacharya in Davangere, you have taken on the bigwig. I am sure you will prove your intergrity. Good Luck.