PANJIM: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Crime Branch has written to Bank of India, Margao branch, to freeze the fixed deposits of Imran Traders that is linked to the illegal mining scam probe.
Crime Branch officials said that during the course of investigation they found no other source of income of Imran Khan other than mining. “We have found over Rs 100 crore fixed deposit in Margao branch of BOI that we have directed the bank to freeze immediately,” an officer said.
SIT on Thursday examined businessman Anil Counto with regards to the jetty and acquisition of road at Kothambi-Bicholim in which former Chief Minister Digambar Kamat has been linked.
Source said that Counto denied that any mining activities were carried out by him or his company. He deposed before SIT stating he acted as a logistics service provider, and that he allowed his jetty to be used by more than 10 different individuals and companies. SIT suspects that the companies are involved in illegal mining and are on their radar.
He also disclosed that the jetty was allowed to be used towards the rent paid per tonne of iron ore by traders in transporting iron ore.
SIT’s claim that the jetty and approach road approval accorded by then Mines Minister Digambar Kamat and thereafter used for transportation of iron ore through his proxies is corroborated by Counto’s statement, an officer said.
SIT is further investigating individuals and companies involved in transportation of iron ore through the jetty.
The summons to Counto came 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 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’s submission before the North Goa District and Sessions Court states that during the course of investigation, statements of witnesses brought to the notice Kamat’s alleged involvement in mining business from 2007-12 and export of iron ore. The investigating agency also alleged that 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 export and approach road in Kothambi-Bicholim. The land was acquired by Mines and Geology Department and not by 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. Court has granted interim relief to Kamat on April 24, 2017.
SIT had summoned Managing Director of Timblo Pvt Ltd, Chetan Timblo and Counto of Alcon Cement Company Pvt Ltd. Timblo’s questioning has been scheduled today.
