CBI arrests Karnataka lawmaker in illegal ore export case

The CBI on Wednesday arrested seven people, including Karnataka lawmaker B. Nagendra in a mining case related to illegal export of iron ore from Karnataka's Belikeri port.

"All the seven accused were arrested for further investigation into their alleged role in the illegal export of iron ore in 2009-10 and remanded to judicial custody till June 8," a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) spokesperson told IANS here.

Other six who were arrested under the Prevention of Corruption Act and various sections of the Indian Penal Code are K. Nagaraj of Eagle Logistics & Traders, Ajay Kaharbanda of Greentex mining company, and their accomplices Yerribaba, Rani Samyukta, Farhan Shiek and Nandini.

An independent legislator, Nagandra represents Kudligi constituency in the mineral-rich Ballari district in northern Karnataka.

A former Bharatiya Janata Party lawmaker, he was arrested earlier in other mining cases and has been out on bail since in December 2014.

The state Lokayukta had accused six lawmakers from Ballari district of being involved in the illegal export of 3.5 million tonnes of iron ore, extracted from illegal mines in the region during the BJP rule in the state.