Has not ruled out invoking non-bailable offences against the Salgaocar brothers, who are being investigated for allegedly carrying out illegal mining and ore extraction.
The brothers – Sameer and Arjun – had moved for anticipatory bail seeking protection from arrest. Sources said although the FIR against them, including Anil and others are of bailable nature, SIT is likely to invoke non-bailable charges based on the probe carried out so far.
The prosecution has opposed the brothers’ anticipatory bail pleas arguing they have not been co-operating with the investigation. Public Prosecutor G Kirtani told the court that the duo has not submitted documents pertaining to the Sanguem-based lease’s licence renewal to SIT.
The defence counsel, on the other hand, claimed that Sameer and Arjun were not in possession of the lease licence renewal as it was considered ‘deemed renewed’. The matter has been reserved for orders on October 9.
The brothers were earlier questioned by SIT in connection with the FIR. The ailing mine owner Anil, and former urban development minister Joaquim Alemao who was the raising contractor at S Kantilal & Co Pvt Ltd along with others are being investigated in the case that accuses the Sanguem-based firm of carrying out illegal mining and ore extraction.
The SIT in 2014 had registered an offence against them under various relevant sections of Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act and Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
In another anticipatory bail application filed by mine owner Prafulla Hede, the special court adjourned the hearing to October 6.
