Probe illegal export of Karnataka ore from Goa: Santosh Hegde

www.mangaloretoday.com

Panaji, September 27, 2011: Former Karnataka lokayukta justice Santosh Hegde has sought the Goa government to investigate into those responsible for allowing ore from the neigbouring state to be illegally exported through its ports.

Hegde said that almost 45 lakh tonne of Ore was exported through Mormugao
Port Trust (MPT), a port in South Goa.

"The Ore which was being brought under pretext of consumption for local units was being exported through the port illegally," he alleged.

According to Hegde, this could not have been possible without the involvement of local people.

"This cannot happen innocently. This has been done in collusion with the locals. Its for the Goa government to investigate into who were these people who allowed the ore to be exported," Hegde said adding the Karnataka Lokayukta has no clue or information on Goan officers involved in illegalities.

He said the illegal exports were evident from the fact that ore of 62-64 Degree Ferrous content was exported from Goa port.

"Goa does not have such a high grade ore. So the question is from where the ore has come, and we say that it has come from Karnataka," said Hegde, who led the Committee to prepare the report on illegal iron ore mining in Karnataka.

Hegde’s report had indicted then Karnataka chief minister BS Yedyurappa and others.

"Its not difficult for Goa to investigate into the illegalities as there are proper permits issued while ore is brought in from across the border. Every lot of ore brought in has certain identification," he said.

Courtesy: Hindustan Times