Illegal mining case: Karna MLA fails to appear before Goa SIT

Karnataka MLA Santeesh Sail, whose company is being probed by the SIT of the Goa Police in connection with an illegal mining case, today failed to appear before the investigating officer in Panaji.

Sail, the Independent MLA representing Karwar constituency, sent a letter saying he could not appear before the IO (Investigation Officer) because his mother-in-law is unwell, said Superintendent of Police (Crime Branch) Karthik Kashyap.

Sail was supposed to appear before the SIT at 11 AM today.

"A fresh summons would be issued against the MLA," said the SP.

The SIT is probing the alleged role of Sail's firm- Mallikarjun Shipping Private Ltd--in illegal export of iron ore from Goa between 2007-2012, as pointed out by the Supreme Court's Centrally Empowered Committee.

A summons was issued against Sail for recording his statement in connection with the case, said a senior crime branch official.

The Central Empowered Committee had found that Sail's company, along with ILC Industries Private Ltd, Dream Logistics, and SB Logistics, had exported 80 lakh tonnes of illicit ore from Bilikeri port in Uttar Kannada district.