Thiess India CEO arrested over coal mine dispute

Thiess Minecs has been in dispute with NTPC over the Pakri Barwadih coal mine for a number of years

Australia's Leighton Holdings said on Monday the head of its Thiess subsidiary in India has been arrested by police and the main client for its Pakri Barwadih coal mine is attempting to terminate its contract.

Thiess Minecs Chief Executive Raman Srikanth was arrested on Friday, Leighton said, adding that client NTPC Ltd is in breach of its contract by attempting to terminate it.

Thiess Minecs, which is 90% owned by Leighton's wholly owned subsidiary Thiess Pty Ltd, has been in dispute with NTPC over the mine for a number of years.