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Illegal mining in Rajasthan a socially organised crime: Mines minister Rajendra Pareek

JAIPUR: Rajasthan's industries and mines minister Rajendra Pareek has said that illegal mining in the state was like a 'socially organised crime'. Pareek rubbished the BJP's allegations that illegal mining in the state enjoyed patronage from the Congressmen and counter accused the opposition party of shielding the culprits during its rule from 2003 to 2008. At the same time, the minister said that despite the mining department's special drives organised to check illegal mining since 2009, the state has been unable to rid itself of the crime completely. He stressed that the present Congress government was committed to close down illegal mines in the state.