TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: The Directorate of Mines & Geology, in a fresh complaint filed with the CID/Crime Branch on the illegal export of iron ore, has accused some of its officers and a private firm illegally exported 1.35 lakh metric tons of ore to China in 2010-11.
Mines Director Prasanna Acharya has alleged that the Directors and officials of Frost International Limited at EDC complex, Patto, and officers of the Mines department forged official documents and no-objection certificates to export the iron ore from the Captain of Ports Jetty, Panjim. The ore was exported between November 12, 2010 to September 22, 2011 by M V Cape Cosmos to China.
The complaint letter mentioned the illegal transportation has caused a whopping loss of around Rs 1.18 crore. CB has registered an offence under sections 468, 471, 420, 120-B IPC, Sec-4 (1-A) r/w 21 Mines & Mineral (Development & Regulation) Act 1957 sub rule 2 & 3 r/w rule 7 of the Goa (Prevention of illegal mining, transportation & storage of minerals) Rule 2004, Sec-7,12 & 13 of Prevention of Corruption Act 1988.
Sources said the case is likely to be transferred to special investigation team, which is already probing into nine illegal mining cases involving several high profile persons.
Meanwhile, Assistant Geologist Ramnath Shetgaonkar was questioned by SIT for a couple of hours at Crime Branch office in Dona Paula.
His questioning will continue on Wednesday. The team has so far interrogated seven persons including ex-CM Digambar Kamat.
Sources said the case is likely to be transferred to special investigation team, which is already probing into nine illegal mining cases involving several high profile persons
