Goa's former Director of Mines arrested in illegal mining case

PANAJI: Goa Crime Branch today arrested former Director of Mines and Geology department, Arvind Lolienkar in connection with an illegal mining case.

Lolienkar was summoned for questioning this morning at Crime Branch's Dona Paula office here and was later placed under arrest.

Special Investigation Team ( SIT) has been probing at least ten cases related to illegal mining in the coastal state.

"The investigations revealed that there was prima facie involvement of Lolienkar in illegal mining," a senior crime branch official said here today, confirming the arrest.

The accused was heading State Mines and Geology department when the mining illegalities were reported.

Justice M B Shah Commission has pointed out that illegal mining scam in Goa was worth Rs 35,000 crore. The Commission had also named Lolienkar of being involved in the activity.

Lolienkar was suspended soon after Manohar Parrikar-led BJP government took reins in the state in March 2012.