Panaji (Goa): In less than a month of filing a charge sheet in illegal condonation of a mining lease, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has chargesheeted the main case, yet against former chief minister Digambar Kamat among others. Among 187-odd mining leases under probe in the main case, the chargesheet is filed in illegal condonation of Kadnekar mines.
The 700 page chargesheet against 16 accused including Kamat, former mines director, etc also has deposition of 25 witnesses.
“SIT has filed charge sheet in main case after investigating illegal condonation of delay in filing application for renewal of mining lease, theft of iron ore, criminal conspiracy, wrongful loss to State exchequer to the tune of Rs 135 crores.
Accused Kamat had condoned delay by overruling observations of two IAS Officers not to condone delay as the State government had no powers to condone delay as per law, ” SP (SIT) Kartik Kashyap said revealing some extracts of the chargesheet.
Taking advantage of condonation, Kadnekar family of Margao had entered into agreement with Magnum Minerals – another accused – thereby transferring the rights of lease without approval of State and central government as well as allowed to mine iron ore under the Kamat who also help Mines Portfolio for 12 long years.
The chargesheet further states that report of government appointed chartered accountant suggests Rs 135 crores loss to State exchequer.
The company that was formed for specific purpose of extracting iron ore is also being investigated for further illegalities with respect to Kadnekar mine. The probe further covers total extraction of iron ore by conducting a detailed survey with the help of Mines Department of the Kadnekar mine for ascertaining exact extraction of ore.
The SIT had mid last month chargesheeted Kamat, mine owner Prafulla Hede and ex-mine officer A T D’Souza for illegal condonation of another mine in south Goa.
