India, Oct. 10 -- The Punjab and Haryana high court has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into alleged illegal mining in Hoshiarpur district, citing concerns over destruction of ecology and possible collusion of state authorities.

"Having perused the materials placed before us, and after taking into consideration the report of the Secretary, DLSA, we are prima facie convinced that the authorities concerned, who were required to ensure the prevention of such large-scale and rampant illegal mining, have utterly failed to carry out their responsibilities. The allegations of collusion of the State authorities with the persons responsible for such large-scale destruction of the ecology, therefore, cannot be brushed aside...