PANJIM: Sanguem BJP MLA Subhash Phaldesai has urged the State government to inquire into the financial transactions of anti-mining activist Ravindra Velip, who it is alleged extorted money from a leading mining firm.
Addressing the media along with Cavrem-Maina villagers, Phaldesai alleged that Velip and a few of his supporters were involved in extorting money from the mining firm between 2009-2011, when iron ore mining was at peak. “Within one year, Velip managed to bring two trucks and one swift car. How was this possible,” he questioned.
“I demand that the cash transaction between Velip and the mining firms be investigated to know how much money he has extorted in the name of villagers,” the MLA said.
The BJP leader claimed that his political opponents are mastermind behind this entire agitation. “This protest is politically motivated,” Phaldesai alleged.
Pointing to allegations levied by a leading mining firm about paying Rs 23 lakhs to Velip, Phaldesai demanded that Velip should provide the list of families or individuals to whom he has distributed that money.
The MLA said that he wants government to give justice to Velip and that he is ready to retire from politics if allegations against him are proven. “I am being alleged as the attacker of Velip. They claim that I am involved in illegal ore transportation, which is totally baseless,” he explained.
