Stealthy export of iron ore: officer suspended

作者:25 发布时间:2010-06-10 文字大小:【大】【中】【小】
KARWAR: Krishna Palemar, minister of port and environment declared that Mahesh Biliye, deputy conservator of Belekeri port was suspended for dereliction of duty and allowing the exporters and iron ore handling companies to export six lakh tons of iron to China, despite the fact that it was seized by forest officials. 

It can be recalled that forest officials had filed a police complaint on Monday at Ankola alleging that port officials, exporters and handing agents had stolen six lakh tons of iron ore seized by the department and exported it stealthily to China. 

Addressing press persons at Karwar on Tuesday, Palemar said prima facie it appeared that Biliye had connived with the exporters to load the ore seized by forest officials in the vessel. He said high level enquiry would be ordered to find out who is responsible for this. Blaming forest officials for allowing the illegal iron ore to pass through minimum six check posts between Bellary and Karwar, Palemar said port officials are cornered for no fault of theirs. 

He held the forest and the mines and geology departments equally responsible for the lapses. Director of port and other officials were present in the press meet.

Sourced from www.indiatimes.com