CBI files charge sheet against four then public servants and MD of Bangalore based firm

New Delhi/Jalandhar, November 18, 2013: The Central Bureau of Investigation has filed a charge sheet in the CBI Special Court, Bangalore against the then Deputy Port Conservator, Belekeri Port, Karwar; then Port Officer, Karwar Port; the then Asstt. Conservator of Forests, Ankola Sub Division, Karwar; the then Range Forest Range Officer, Ankola; MD of a Bangalore based Mining Industries and his firm U/s 120-B r/w 409, 420 IPC, U/s 13(2) r/w 13(1) (c) & (d) of the PC Act-1988 in a case related to alleged illegalities in the export of iron ore from Belekari Port in Karnataka.

It was alleged that the accused persons had conspired with each other in the matter of exporting 34555.06-MT of iron ore from Belekeri Port which was seized by the Forest Department of Karnataka Government and handed over to the Port authorities for safe custody, by violating the orders of Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka, Bangalore.

The case was registered by CBI 13.09.2012 on the directions of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in WP(Civil) 562 of 2009 and other connected matters to investigate into the illegalities committed by various persons in the export of iron ore from Belekeri Port in Karnataka.

During the course of investigation, CBI had arrested then Port Officer, Karwar Port; then Assistant Conservator of Forests, Ankola Sub Division, Karwar and then Range Forest Officer, Ankola.  All the arrested accused are in Judicial Custody.

Further investigation into the role of other exporters is continuing.

The public is reminded that the above findings are based on the investigation done by CBI and evidence collected by it.  Under the Indian Law, the accused are presumed to be innocent till their guilt is finally established after a fair trial.