Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Nov 5: BJP, it is learnt, has decided to politically tackle the measure undertaken by the Congress government in the state to set up a special investigation team (SIT) to probe alleged illegal export of iron ore through Belekeri and New Mangalore ports in the past.

Investigation on the issue of illegal mining in the state had been entrusted to SIT that was formulated in the year 2013. This team is yet to complete its probe and file a report. BJP leaders are of the opinion that entrusting investigation relating to illegal iron ore exports through the above two ports, that too at a time when Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has not found evidence to prove this allegation, is a measure backed by political vendetta undertaken by the Congress regime. Therefore, BJP feels that it would be appropriate to fight out this measure through political means.

BJP state president Yeddyurappa

CBI had, during its preliminary investigation itself, concluded that it found that it is very difficult to put together documentary evidence to prove the allegation of illegal export through Belekeri and New Mangalore ports levelled against certain miners because of the complicated nature of the case. It therefore felt it not plausible to register case and achieve any progress in the investigation. It also had written to the chief secretary of the government about its finding. BJP leaders now feel that digging out the issue at a time no documentary evidence supporting the allegation is available, is nothing but an attempt of political vengeance.

BJP is of the opinion that the state government could have submitted documents if any in its possession to support the allegation to CBI to enable it to investigate the case. The leaders also point out that the Congress government, if it did not have faith on CBI investigation, had the opportunity to directly file documents with the Supreme Court. Nothing of this sort was done by the state government during its four and half years of rule and raking up the issue at the fag end of its term smacks of politics and therefore BJP will fight out this effort politically, its leaders have decided.

Chief minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday had said in Mangaluru that 'discussion is on to form Special Investigation Team (SIT) to curb illegal mining in the state. It is a Rs 25,000-crore scam. The Central Bureau of Investigation has dropped its probe into the cases of illegal export of iron ore from Mangaluru and Karwar ports citing lack of evidence.'