SIT expected to give Melwani notice of arrest

PANJIM: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is expected to issue an advance notice of arrest to H L Naturmal mining company owner Harish Melwani after they uncovered discrepancies into royalties paid to the government. Many former and present mines officials are also likely to face interrogation. 

The SIT had recovered challans from Melwani’s office in Panjim on Tuesday indicating that the company had allegedly paid royalty 250 times more than the actual production for the period 2006 to 2012. Mines Department is also accused of overlooking the illegality and allowing him to pay revised royalty for that period thereafter which is against the law. 

SIT is keen to take him into police custody for interrogation, however, since he is not in Goa the investigation team is waiting for his return after which notice will be served. As per his anticipatory bail order, the court had asked the SIT to give him 48 hour notice in case of his arrest.