TEAM HERALD
PANJIM: Former Chief Minister Digambar Kamat appeared for questioning before the Special Investigation Team (SIT), at Crime Branch office in Dona Paula on Saturday afternoon, as part of the investigating into the iron ore mining scam.
Suspended Mines & Geology Director Arvind Lolienkar and former Law Secretary V P Shetye, who were also summoned in connection with the case, were questioned in separate chambers.
Lolienkar, who was the first among the three to appear before the SIT at around 2:45 pm followed by Kamat at around 3:05 pm were initially quizzed by SIT head (deputy inspector general of police) K K Vyas. The team was also accompanied by two mines officers ~ assistant geologist Jayant Sirsat and technician assistant Suraj Kalangutkar ~ to assist the former during questioning. A chartered accountant and legal assistant have already been roped-in for scrutinising documents related to the case.
Kamat declined to speak to the media on emerging out after nearly two hours of questioning. “No comment,” was his only reply to a volley of questions outside the CB office.
The questioning is likely to continue as the mining investigation. “There are eight other cases for investigation. This is just one of the total cases where summons have been issued. Others will be questioned as and when required,” Vyas said while replying to a question from Herald whether more persons allegedly involved in the multi-crore mining scam will be questioned.
Asked whether Kamat, Lolienkar and Shetye would be called again, he said, “If required, yes.”
SIT has already questioned former Mines & Geology Director J B Bhingui, Assistant Technician Shyam Sawant and under secretary (Legal) Smita Chandwani in connection with the case.
