Daijiworld Media Network – Karwar (SP)

Karwar, Jun 18: In tune with the state Lokayukta order to undertake investigation into the illegal export of iron ore valued at over Rs 200 crore from out of the seized stock of ore at Belekeri port near here, a team formed by the mines and geology department has begun its investigation.

The team comprises assistant engineer of Hassan office of geology department, Y C Nagaraj,  Z A Inamdar of the geology department in Ilakal, junior engineers, K N Shirol and R Pampagouda. It may be recollected that the forest officials had detected illegally stored iron ore worth Rs 264 crore at Belekeri port on March 20 this year. The officials had confiscated the stock, which was presumably meant for export to China from the port illegally.

After obtaining permission from Ankola JMFC court, the ore was handed over to the conservator of the port. However, when Narendra Hittamalamakki, investigation officer and assistant forest conservator, went to the port on June 6 to inspect the stock, it was found that about six lac tones of ore had gone missing.

In this connection, the forest department had filed a complaint in Ankola police station against 11 companies including Mallikarjun Shipping, Belekeri port conservator, Adani Company, Salgaonkar, LIP, Ashapura Ltd, Doddannavar Bros etc.