Illegal mining: Ex Goa Mines director quizzed by Crime Branch

PANAJI: Goa Crime Branch has started interrogating former state Mines and Geology Director Arvind Lolienkar in connection with illegal mining case, which has been pegged to be around Rs 35,000 crore.

Crime Branch officials said that Lolienkar was summoned thrice last week to record his statement over the illegal mining, which had taken place when he was heading the department.

Justice M B Shah Commission, which had confirmed the illegal mining, had blamed the then officials of the Mines and Geology Department along with the then Mines Minister and former Chief Minister Digambar Kamat for illegal mining.

State Mines and Geology Director Prasanna Acharya has lodged a complaint with the crime branch submitting around 2,000 page documents to support it.

"Lolienkar is the first officer to be quizzed. There will be more officers who will be in line," a senior crime branch official said.

State government has formed Special Investigation Cell headed by a Deputy Inspector General rank officer to probe the illegal mining case.