Lodge FIR against 151, HC tells govt
TEAM HERALD
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PANJIM: In what could be a major jolt to former Congress ministers, bureaucrats and mine owners/traders, the Bombay High Court at Goa directed the Goa government on Tuesday to register a first information report (FIR) against 151 people in the illegal mining case within six weeks.
Chief Justice of Bombay High Court Mohit Shah and Justice R P Sonurbaldota’s order is based on an application of an activist, which seeks the filing of an FIR in connection with the mining scam. Since the police and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) failed to register cases, filed by the activist on September 15, 2012 against those indicted in Justice Shah Commission report, the activist moved the High Court.
“…it was necessary (that) the police must carry out investigation into the actions which have caused loss to the exchequer, involved illegal mining and corruption on the part of the officers of Government of Goa, Director of Mines Arvind Lolyekar and SP O P Mishra, IGP Sanjay Singh and other politicians and bureaucrats/officials of the Goa and mining mafia who are acting in conspiracy/connivance for illegal benefits/gratification,” the petition reads.
Justice M B Shah in his report submitted to the Union Mines Ministry had indicted former chief ministers and other persons such as mine owners, and state and central government officials responsible for the illegal mining in the state from 2005-2012 years.
“It is clear that the police have done no investigation and have tried to cover up the illegalities, abuse of power, loss to exchequer and corruption of mining mafia…” the petition filed by Kashinath Shetye said, arguing that suspended mines officers and police were collecting ‘haftas’ (financial consideration) not to take action against illegal mining.
Advocate General Atmaram Nadkarni appearing on behalf of the state submitted to the bench that since the Justice Shah Commission report is challenged before the Supreme Court, the state wants to ensure that in case the challenge succeeds, the FIR would not be null and void.
