Team Herald
PANJIM: Former Mines Director J B Bhingi has stated that former Chief Minister Digambar Kamat asked him to ‘take consideration from mining companies’.
Bhingi revealed this in his statement to the Special Investigation Team (SIT), recorded before the JMFC Panjim, under Section 164 of the CrPC, on Wednesday.
SIT officials who had sought more time to reply to Kamat’s anticipatory bail application on Tuesday in the same case have, however, not revealed details in this regards.
Sources, however, said that Bhingi’s statement says that Kamat who was held the Mines portfolio had asked him (Bhingi) to clear the files regarding the condonation of delay related to mining companies.
“Once I put a noting on file ‘May be decided’, Digambar Kamat called me in his chamber at Secretariat and ask me not put such comments,” Bhingi’s statement reads.
He further claimed that Kamat called him at his chamber, Altinho official residence and Malbhat Margao personal residence for mining related matter many times.
He also mentioned that “Digambar Kamat had told me take consideration from mining companies, but I refused”.
Sources further said that Bhingi also submitted in his statement that then senior technical assistant A T D’Souza had a major role in handling all related files.
Bhingi in his statement further said that he had sought a transfer and even after requesting Kamat didn’t let him leave the Mines Department. He also mentioned the name of one Gaurish Lawande stating he was called him to meet Kamat after he sought transfer but he (Bhingi) denied.
Bhingi has reportedly mentioned that the entire saga took place between the years 2003 and 2007.
