Panaji (Goa): The politically influential mine trader Imran Khan has been remanded to two day of custodial interrogation in connection with cheating the state government to the tune of several crores of rupees through illegal ore mining.

Khan, who is said to be a “silent partner” of former Chief Minister Digambar Kamat had allegedly availed Environmental Clearance in his name whereas Goa State Pollution Control Board found it to be fabricated and bogus, resulting in the suspension of mining in TC no 65/51 belonging to Amalia Figeriedo. He had been carrying out the extraction of ore from the land that originally belongs to Figeriedo family, by way of power of attorney.

“Khan extracted iron ore amounting to crores of rupees specifically for the period 2007-2012 years under the blessings and acting as an proxy to influential politician from Salcette. He also availed power of attorney to act in TC 65/51 from its legal heirs before the State government decided to transfer of lease in the name of the legal heir,” Superintendent of Police Kartik Kashyap said.

The State government in the year 2009 ensured that the lease transferred approval is given by the mines minister on noting file in the name of legal heirs who had given power of attorney to Khan.

“Khan allegedly acted as an proxy to the then mines minister Kamat and the investigation with this respect is also underway. Legal heirs, being old aged accused that Khan and influential politician took advantage of the situation and extracted iron ore amounting to crores of rupees,” said the officer based on the investigation so far.

The accused had immediately applied for bail but the court refused to grant interim relief, while it is hearing the regular bail plea. He was remanded to two day of police custody today.

The Ex-CM and former Mines Minister Kamat has denied allegations against him.

Team TNV