Politicians, mining officials involved in iron ore theft: SIT

SIT probe has revealed that iron ore worth hundreds of crores was exported from Goa through unregistered traders in connivance with the officials of Mines department and some heavyweight politicians.

Crime branch on Friday visited Vaghus Pale dump site belonging to a mining firm in Goa as per the disclosure of accused Philip Jacob who had allegedly purchased iron ore more than 10 lakh metric tons amounting to Rs 300 crore.

The officials of the SIT probing into illegal mining inspected the site along with Mines officials. The SIT found Iron ore dumps still at the dump site in lakhs of metric tons.

Mines officials in Goa allegedly did not verify the dump which was supposed to be done by the department and e-auctioned thereafter.

Investigation has revealed that the mine owner allegedly received the amount through bank transactions as well as cash from accused Philip Jacob to the tune of Rs 200 crore.

Investigation has revealed that the mine owner had allegedly dumped iron ore from different leases and during 2009-2011 in connivance with the mines ministry in Goa and exported it without paying royalty through accused Philip Jacob and other traders.