The Supreme Court today ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the alleged illegal mining of 5.07 million tonnes of iron ore in Karnataka, transported to Belekeri port for export.
The order followed a report by its Centrally Empowered Committee that suggested a CBI probe into the matter.
The stevedores at Belekeri port are also under scrutiny, as about 8,00,000 tonnes of the iron ore seized is now missing. CBI would probe this as well. It may also file cases against some top stevedore firms handling iron ore.
The forest bench of the court, headed by Aftab Alam, told the Karnataka counsel it was difficult to believe authorities were unaware of these developments. “Can anyone imagine the authorities were not aware of this? Why was it happening? It is a case of fence eating the grass,” the court stated.
Adani Enterprises, one of the four port service providers, however, denied any wrong-doing in the matter. The company said its responsibility was limited to storing and loading cargo from the stack area onto the barges and then into the mother vessel, based on instructions of exporters and orders passed by Customs Authorities.
“Adani Enterprises does not have any interest, direct or indirect in iron ore mining. It has neither owned nor operated any iron ore mine nor has undertaken nor was involved in any mining activity in Karnataka or in any other part of the country,” the company said in an e-mailed clarification. It clarified that activities were done on behalf of the exporters under the supervision and clearance of customs and port authorities.
After its investigation, the CBI can also file a first information report (FIR).