SIT for closure of 2 illegal mining cases involving ex-Goa CM

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Goa Police probing cases of illegal mining in the state, has recommended closure of two of the fifteen such cases for "lack of evidence".
In both the cases, former Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat was accused of shielding illegal mining during his term.
"We have sent a closure report of two cases. Details cannot be made available to you right now," Deputy Superintendent of Police (SIT) Sunita Sawant said today.
The Crime Branch, which had initially filed an FIR in connection with these cases, had handed over the probe to the SIT.
The SIT, formed by the present BJP-led government, has been probing 15 cases of illegal extraction of iron ore and its export, causing huge losses to the state exchequer.

Goa Mines and Geology Department had filed complaints with the Crime Branch in this regard.

A senior Crime Branch official told PTI today that names of former Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat had figured in the FIR in these cases.
"Both the cases are sent for closure to the court as there is no evidence found," said a senior police official.
Deputy Inspector General of Police D Vyas, heading SIT was not available for comment.
The illegal mining had become a major poll plank for the BJP, which had promised action against all the politicians involved in it.
Justice M B Shah Commission had pegged the illegal mining to the tune of Rs 35,000 crore in the state.