By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, June 5, 2017 : Odisha Vigilance Court on Friday today framed charges against prime accused in the multi-billion rupee Uliburu mining scam Deepak Gupta and seven others. Special Vigilance Court at Keonjhar framed charges against them after hearing their counsels and prosecution.

Besides, the Court framed charges against original leaseholder of Uliburu mines B K Mohanty and former deputy director of mines (DDM), Joda mining circle Manas Ranjan Mohanty and five others.

The accused have been charged under sections 13/2, 420, 409, 468, 379 and 120(B) of the IPC, sources said.

The Vigilance has earlier filed charge sheets against 29 persons in the Rs 1,800 crore Uliburu mining scam.

Gupta was arrested on September 4, 2013, in the Rs 1800 crore mining scam. He was operating an iron ore mine of B K Mohanty by virtue of a power of attorney. He has been accused of illegally mining around 45.22 lakh tonnes of iron ore and manganese beyond the lease area between 2003 and 2010 violating forest and mining laws.