Goa files criminal complaint in Rs.35,000 crore mining scam

In a development with potentially wide-ranging political ramifications, a top official of the state mines and geology department has filed a complaint with the state Crime Branch in the mammoth illegal mining scam in Goa.

The complaint, sources said, is based on the findings of three reports: The Justice M.B. Shah Commission report on illegal mining; a report filed by the Supreme Court's central empowered committee (CEC); and a public accounts committee (PAC) of the state legislative assembly.

The complaint filed by director for mines and geology department Prasanna Acharya has fleshed out the case against illegal mining based on the three reports and asks the deputy superintendent of police (CID/Crime Branch) to file a complaint against persons named in them, sources said.

While the Shah Commission had exposed a Rs.35,000 crore scam in Goa's mining sector, it named two chief ministers as having overseen the loot. It also made cases against bureaucrats and errant mining companies.

The CEC report exposed indiscriminate mining in Goa, citing several concrete examples in its investigation which has been submitted to the apex court.

The PAC report was compiled some years back by a team of legislators led by Manohar Parrikar, who is now Goa chief minister but at the time was leader of opposition. It exposed three cases of illegal mining involving politicians.

Acharya, speaking to IANS, said: "Yes, a complaint has been filed with the CID. We have asked them to file an FIR and investigate charges made out in the three reports about illegal mining in Goa."

The complaint comes at a time when both the opposition as well as green organisations have been accusing the BJP-led coalition government of favouring the mining industry.

Mining is currently banned in Goa following a petition filed by noted lawyer Prashant Bhushan and a local NGO who have also alleged a mammoth scam and large scale illegalities in mining in Goa.