Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Jun 26: State ports and inland water transport minister, Krishna J Palemar, said that he is deeply pained to note that he has of late, been projected as being in favour of illegal mining activities, relating to the state Lokayukta’s resignation. “I am deeply hurt at the fact that the Lokayukta has mentioned my letter recommending the suspension of a forest official as one of the reasons for his resignation,” he stated.

Giving details of the contentious issue of his role relating to the illegal stock of iron ore found at Belekeri port, Palemar said that he had visited the port to find out the links responsible for the illegal transportation and export of iron ore stock worth crores of rupees. “I prima facie found port conservator, Mahesh Bilia, responsible for the scam. On the spot, I ordered for his suspension.

Forest official in question, Gokuldas, who was one among the officials who confiscated the stock, did not attend the meeting. Even after he was asked to come to the venue over phone, he did not oblige. He also had an opportunity to meet me the next day and explain things, but he failed to do that too. I had got different versions relating to the disappearance of ore, and I therefore, wanted to get them verified. Some said the missing ore was worth Rs 20 crore, while some others put the figure at Rs 200 crore.

After the officer concerned decided to continue to ignore my instructions to explain the actual position, I wrote to the Chief Minister about the incident and sought for an inquiry and action against the official. There is no question of bending under pressure of any mining or any other lobbies. On that occasion, I had revealed that I had recommended action against the said officer. Hence, no one would not be justified in linking this issue with the resignation of the Lokayukta, and this appears to be the fall out of some misunderstanding,” Palemar said.

Palemar explained that he knew the family of Justice Santosh Hegde since the times of the latter’s father, and that he has always held the Lokaykta and his family members in high esteem. “I have high regard for Justice Hegde and all the members of his family. The dispute could only have arisen between us as a result of some misinformation or misunderstanding and nothing else,” he clarified.