PANAJI (GOA): The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Crime Branch has arrested former NCP leader Geetesh Naik for alleged illegal extraction and transportation of iron ore from Korgao mining site, which belongs to senior politician Jitendra Deshprabhu.

Naik was interrogated at length, and his involvement has come forth during the investigation of this case. It is further revealed from the statements of various witnesses that he was involved in illegal extraction and transportation of iron ore from the property bearing survey number 299/0 at Korgao,  Pernem, which belongs to Jitendra Deshprabhu.

This is Naik’s second arrest in the same case. He was earlier arrested by Crime Branch where the complaint was initially filed, before the formation of SIT.

According to the case details, Naik along with Deshprabhu and other accused, hatched criminal conspiracy, and in connivance with each other caused loss of more than Rs 50 crore to the state exchequer.

Naik, a contractor, was accused of transporting the ore which was illegally extracted from the property owned by Deshprabhu.

The SIT has already taken into custody two mine traders, Kancha Gaunder and Philip Jacob, for theft of iron ore. Several politicians and bureaucrats from state mines department, Indian bureau of mines and others are under the scanner.

Team TNV