Guwahati, Oct. 16 -- A seemingly routine probe into alleged illegal mining in Assam has erupted into a full-scale controversy, with a leaked note, a disputed quarry inspection and a sudden bureaucratic reshuffle fuelling a barrage of uncomfortable questions.

Information available to Northeast Now suggests that a note attributed to the Assam Chief Minister's Office and reportedly sent to Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav cast a shadow over the team assigned to inspect stone quarries, alleging that its integrity had been compromised by illegal mining interests.

The note reportedly stated: "Shri Pee Lee Ete from MOEF Shillong and Shri N Anand, CCF Upper Assam Zone are today inspecting stone quarries in Nagaon Forest Division, Assa...