Team Herald
PANJIM: In another major breakthrough in the ongoing probe into the massive mining scam, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Crime Branch (CB) arrested Kochi native Philip Jacob on charges of alleged illegal trade and theft of iron ore between 2007 and 2011. The period is incidentally when Digambar Kamat, who is also under the scanner, was Chief Minister.
As per details provided by CB SP Kartik Kashyap, a preliminary investigation and scrutiny of bank statements of Jacob’s firm Amalagiris revealed transactions in the form of RTGS in different banks in Goa amounting to more than Rs 300 crore received from different exporters. This money was thereafter paid to mine owners in Goa.
Bank transactions also suggest cash withdrawals amounting to more than Rs 130 crore by different individuals working for Jacob.
“The amount was paid to different mine owners in Goa for the purchase of unaccounted iron ore from mining lease holders and other illegal traders. Different mining lease holders/mining companies being aware that Jacob was not registered with Mines Department, utilised him to trade their unaccounted iron ore in order to avoid compulsory government dues thereby committing act of theft of iron ore and causing loss to the State exchequer in crores,” the officer said.
Jacob also allegedly bought 40000 metric tonnes of iron ore from Sacorda from registered trader Kancha Gaunder, who was arrested a week ago.
Kashyap also stated that Jacob was arrested by Karnataka SIT and Lokayukta investigating illegalities in the mining sector in Karnataka. The Goa SIT had traced him in Kerala last month and after intensive investigation he was placed under arrest.
The SIT has once again pointed fingers at high profile persons including politicians for their alleged involvement in illegalities. Bureaucrats in the Mines Department, IBM Goa department and Mines ministry in Goa have come under the radar.
“Investigations reveal that illegal trade in iron ore in Goa by different registered and unregistered traders was in connivance with the mining lease holders,” the SP said.
Jacob was taken to the Goa Medical College for routine examination after which he was taken back into custody. He will be produced before the court on Tuesday for police remand.
The investigation is being carried out by PI Dattaguru Sawant under Kashyap’s supervision.
