Mandya: MP C.S. Puttaraju has strongly refuted the allegations regarding his involvement in illegal quarrying in and around Chinnakurali in Pandavapura. He has clarified that he would fully cooperate if there were a probe.

Reacting to the allegations made by Mandya-based social activist K.R. Ravindra and his complaint to the Lokayukta, Puttaraju told Star of Mysore, “All our dealings have been according to law. We have not done anything illegally.”

In a democracy, everyone has a right to question. Even Ravindra has done the same. There is nothing new in this, he said.

The Gram Panchayat has every right to grant licence for mining in its jurisdiction. In 1990-94 itself the then Deputy Commissioner had granted absolute power to the Gram Panchayat in this regard. Hence, there is no need for permission from the Mining Department, he said.

“My family and I have never been involved in any illegal quarrying. If by chance there is any illegal quarrying then not only they can approach the Lokayukta but can even go to the Supreme Court,” challenged Puttaraju.