Goa govt probing violation of SC order on iron ore transport

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar today said the government is probing alleged violation of Supreme Court order banning transportation of iron ore in the state.
Parrikar told the state Legislative Assembly that police are investigating whether the recent seizure of a truck loaded with iron ore amounts to violation of the Supreme Court order.
"We are investigating as to from where was the ore brought, where it was heading for and who was the transporter," he said.
The issue was brought to the notice of the House during zero hour by Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party legislator Lavoo Mamlatdar, who alleged that a high profile politician from his constituency was behind such a violation.

Mamlatdar requested the Chief Minister that the police should not end probe in the matter by just arresting driver of the truck, but instead should go to the root and arrest the kingpin behind such an act, which amounts to contempt of the Supreme Court.
Parrikar said he has already directed police this morning to conduct a detailed probe in the case.

"If any policeman conducts shoddy investigation, then he will also become a part of the crime (contempt of SC)," he added.
A iron ore laden truck registered in neighbouring Maharashtra was recently seized by the Goa police.
In its order in September last year, the Supreme Court had banned extraction and transportation of iron ore in the state, pending inquiry by Central Empowered Committee into the allegations of illegal mining.