Officials and miners named in the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee and the Karnataka Lokayukta reports are feeling the heat. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has largely based its investigations on these reports of illegal export of 50.79 lakh metric tonnes of iron ore from Belekeri port.
The agency has taken up the probe following a direction from the Supreme Court and has filed three FIRs before the CBI Special Court in Bangalore.
Companies and officials mentioned in the CEC, Lokayukta and Criminal Investigation Department (CID) reports have been named as accused. Cases have been booked against them for criminal conspiracy, cheating, theft, trespass, receiving stolen property, criminal misconduct, illegal mining, removal of forest produce among others.
The agency has raided many firms and residences of those allegedly involved in the scam. As the investigation in the case progresses, the agency is likely to question many people and it may even make arrests.
“Around 33.98 lakh tonnes of the 88.06 lakh tonnes exported from Belikeri port during 2009-10 have been handled by four companies: M/s ILC Industries Limited (9.86 lakh MT), M/s Dream Logistics Company (India) Private Limited (9.16 lakh MT), M/s SB Logistics (7.74 lakh MT) and M/s Shree Mallikarjuna Shipping Private Limited (7.23 lakh MT),” the agency stated in the FIRs quoting the Central Empowered Committee reports.
Three inspector rank officials attached to the Bangalore CBI office are investigating the case.
The probe is monitored by senior officials in the agency.
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