CBI conducts searches at iron ore stockyard

A 10-member CBI team on Friday conducted searches at an iron ore stockyard of a private transport company at Kallahalli in the district as part of its continuing probe into its illegal export from Belikeri port.

The team, headed by CBI Inspector Hemanthkumar, perused transport permits and other documents at the stockyard, CBI sources here said. The team is likely to continue visit to some more stock yards tomorrow, sources said.

It is believed about 5.08 million tonnes of iron ore was transported into Belikere port in Karwar from Hospet, Sandur and Bellary during 2009 and 2010. About 90 per cent of the illegally exported iron ore consignment is believed to have come from Bellary district, according to sources.

On Sept 15, 2012, the CBI had filed an FIR against 147 persons and 50 mining firms with regard to illegal iron ore export from Bellikeri port in Uttara Kannada district. The CBI had also filed a criminal case on the directions of the apex court in October 2011 against jailed mining baron G Janardhana Reddy and others under various sections.