Team Herald
PANJIM: After Former Principal (Mines) Secretary Rajiv Yaduvanshi deposed before the magistrate in connection with the investigation into illegal condonation alleging he worked under political pressure, former Mines Director J Bhingui and Assistant Senior Geologist Shobana Rivonkar too recorded their statements under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
Police sources told Herald that the duo conceded illegalities in the condonation to 40-odd mining leases. “In their separate depositions, Bhingui and Rivonkar alleged political pressure for granting condonation despite knowing it was against the law. They were asked to put favourable notings on files as per wishes of the politician,” he said.
The two were earlier summoned by the Special Investigation Team in the illegal condonation probe wherein mine owner Prafulla Hede is also being investigated. The businessman, at a press conference on Wednesday, rubbished allegations against him.
Yaduvanshi, who is now State approver, said in a statement to the magistrate that former Chief Miniser Digambar Kamat personally approved the files.
Bhingui too had earlier alleged that he had worked under political pressure before Arvind Lolienkar took over as Mines Director.
