Bhubaneswar, July 13 - The Orissa assembly was adjourned several times Monday after the opposition parties created uproarious scenes demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged illegal mining by a private company in the mineral-rich Keonjhar district.

As the house assembled, Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh raised the issue and questioned the government's announcement of a vigilance inquiry into the matter while the house was in session. He said this amounted to breach of privilege of the house.

He demanded a discussion on the issue and said the government should order an inquiry by the CBI.

Bharatiya Janata Party leader K.V. Singhdeo had through an adjournment motion July 10 alleged that a private company has been mining manganese in over 36 hectares illegally without having necessary government clearances.

Although state Steel and Mines Minister Raghunath Mohanty described the allegation as baseless, the government ordered a vigilance probe a day later.