Supreme Court to hear illegal Goa mining cases

The Supreme Court on 7 November will hear a petition filed by the Goa foundation in connection with the illegal mining cases in 2011, which was allegedly being carried out in conspiracy with the then UPA government in the state.

Earlier this year, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Goa crime branch had issued summons to former Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat.

Earlier in October 2012, the apex court suspended all iron ore mining and transportation in the state following a report submitted by Justice M.B. Shah Commission, which found that millions of tonnes of iron ore were mined illegally.

The report stated that illegal mining was being carried out in conspiracy with the state government including the then CM Digambar Kamat, who pegged the losses to the state at about Rs 35,000 crore.

In 2015, the State Government renewed 88 mining leases, all owned by the very same holders who were accused of illegal mining. 

-ANI