PANJIM: In what could possibly nail the just-bailed out mine trader Imran Khan, the legal heir of the mining lease at Curpem-Quepem Maria Figueiredo has accused him of exploiting the property for personal gains while the family was kept in the dark about the iron ore activity.
In her deposition before the special investigation team (SIT) of the crime branch (CB), Maria mentioned that Imran Khan and his brother has misled her about the actual use of the mining lease.
“Upon death of my sister Georgina, one person who introduced himself as Imran Khan approached me along with his brother at my house at Loutolim and compelled me to sign some documents with regards to mining lease in the year 2007-2008. I do not remember exact date and year. He also told me that there is no ore in the said lease area. However, he would pay me monthly, quarterly in cash and also through bank towards handing over mining lease area for agricultural purpose,” she said emphasising that ‘to best of my knowledge the said mining lease was not working/existing.’
Maria had permanently shifted to Goa in 2008 after residing in Portugal for over four decades. She also alleged that Khan would obtain her signatures on documents and not allow her to read through it.
“Imran Khan would approach us time to time since year 2007 till date for availing my signatures on different documents and pay in cash on every visit. Upon shown the latest letter to the mines department, Goa in my name for extension of mining lease dated April 17, 2017, I say that Imran Khan had come to my residence and told me that nothing to read and took signatures on required documents,” she said asserting that the family was paid for the possession of property but not towards either production or sale of iron ore.
“I am shocked/surprised to know that these people have exploited out property for their personal gains,” she claimed.
Khan, who was arrested last Tuesday, was granted conditional bail in the same week but the SIT has decided to contest the order by Special Court, Panjim in the High Court of Bombay at Goa. The petition is expected to be filed this week.
