Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Aug 26: Three persons accused of being involved with the case in which 6.5 lac metric tonnes of iron ore went missing from Belekeri port, surrendered before the criminal investigation department and were released on bail. They have been identified as S Ravi from ILC, Venugopal of Swastik Steels and Javed Sheikh of Lakshmi Venkateshwara Minerals.

In a joint operation, officials of the Lokayukta and forest departments had raided Belekeri port, and confiscated 8.5 lac tonnes of iron ore that was illegally stored there. The ore stock was not backed by any records or valid permits. The raids were conducted in November and December, 2009.

In May 2010, it was found that ore valued at about Rs 200 crore had gone missing. Connivance of the officials of customs and port departments with the mining owners and shipping companies was alleged.  The ore was illegally shipped from the port in April and May 2010.

The detection of huge stock of illegal ore and its disappearance had created lot of upheavals in the state including political circles. The policemen of criminal investigation department had investigated the case and filed first information report against 12 persons under various sections of the Criminal Procedure Code.

The case is being investigated by the mines and geology department, Lokayukta and the CID.

The High Court had granted anticipatory bail to the employees of the shipping company. At the same time, it had stipulated that the employees of the mining firms need to surrender before the police, before getting bail.

Accordingly, three accused mining employees surrendered and got released on the basis of personal bonds. The in-charge officer of Belekeri court, who is one of the accused, and who has been suspended from services, has also succeeded in getting anticipatory bail.