PANJIM: Managing Director of Timblo Pvt Ltd, Chetan Timblo, and Anil Counto of Alcon Cement Company Pvt Ltd have been summoned by the Special Investigation Team of Crime Branch in connection with the ongoing probe into the mining scam.
SIT SP Kartik Kashyap said that while Counto will be quizzed on Thursday, Timblo’s questioning has been scheduled on Friday.
Summons to Counto comes after RTI inquiries by a witness revealed that Counto had filed an application before the Directorate of Mines and Geology seeking permission to construct the jetty for export of iron ore and import of cement, clinger, slag etc. Counto was neither a mine owner, neither had he ever exported iron ore from Goa nor imported cement, clinger, slag. Sources said the application for acquisition of land was moved by then Chief Minister Digambar Kamat supported by a cabinet note.
SIT submitted in the North Goa District and Sessions Court that during the course of investigation, statements of witnesses were recorded which brings to note how the then Chief Minister for the period 2007 to 2012 was involved in mining business and export of iron ore from Goa and how companies were harassed for not obliging him and fulfilling his expectations.
“Kamat had by wrong means acquired the land citing reason for the purpose of construction of road but it was for the construction of jetty of iron ore exporting and approach road in Kothambi-Bicholim. The land was acquired by the Mines and Geology Department and not by the Public Works Department for the construction of road. The road was constructed only for the purpose of jetties,” the application opposing Kamat’s anticipatory bail states. The court had granted interim relief to Kamat on April 24, 2017.
