Team Herald
BENGALURU: The Additional City Civil and Sessions Court in Bengaluru postponed its judgment on Friday in the Karnataka illegal mining ‘scam’ that has a Goa minister’s name. All the accused, including the Minister, were present when the Judge called the case. He stated that he was unable to complete his dictation due to fresh submissions made by some of the accused.
The judge then adjourned the judgment to Tuesday, March 4.
During the previous hearing, counsel for two of the accused clarified matters regarding permits and related documents. They also cited statements made by witness B R Venugopal during cross-examination, asserting that his admissions validated the iron ore supply transaction.
However, on February 25, the court dismissed their arguments following the submission by the Special Public Prosecutor of the Karnataka Lokayukta’s Special Investigation Team (SIT).
The scam involves 16 accused, including a mining firm owned by one of them from Hosapete, Ballari, Karnataka. Among those implicated is a Cabinet Minister from Goa, who allegedly conspired to illegally transport nearly 17 metric tonnes (MT) of iron ore from the lease area of M/s S B Minerals at the Vyasanakere plot and other mines.