Bengaluru court has acquitted Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte in an illegal iron ore mining case. The case dates back to the early 2010s, following a 2012 inquiry finding all 90 iron ore mines in Goa operating without proper environmental permissions, costing the state over $6 billion. In 2015, the Goa government renewed mining leases amid legal challenges, which the Supreme Court later quashed for lacking transparency. Khaunte, accused of facilitating illegal mining, was defended against allegations seen as politically motivated. The court found insufficient evidence to link him directly to the illegal activities, citing systemic lapses instead.
Bengaluru:
A Bengaluru court has acquitted Goa’s Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte in a case involving illegal iron ore mining and transportation. This verdict concludes a high-profile case that has faced intense scrutiny for several years.
The case dates back to the early 2010s, when allegations of extensive illegal mining activities surfaced in Goa. A government-directed inquiry in 2012, led by retired judge M B Shah, found that all 90 iron ore mines in Goa were operating without proper environmental permits.
The investigation estimated that illegal mining had cost the state over USD 6 billion in a span of five years. As a result, authorities mandated a suspension of all mining operations starting September 2012.
In 2015, the Goa government renewed 88 mining leases, a decision that prompted legal disputes. Activists contended that these renewals were done arbitrarily, sidestepping necessary auction processes. In February 2018, the Supreme Court overturned these lease renewals, emphasizing that new leases must be issued through a transparent procedure.
Khaunte, who was previously responsible for the Mines and Geology portfolio before taking on the role of tourism minister, faced accusations of enabling illegal mining activities and authorizing the unlawful transport of iron ore during his administration.
The prosecution claimed that he deliberately ignored regulatory standards, resulting in substantial revenue losses for the state and environmental harm.
The trial took place in Bengaluru, considering jurisdictional factors, and involved an extensive examination of evidence and testimonies over several months. The defense maintained that Khaunte complied with all necessary protocols and argued that the allegations were politically driven.
In its ruling, the court remarked that the prosecution did not provide definitive evidence linking Khaunte to the illegal activities.
The judge pointed out that while there were systemic failures in the mining sector during the relevant period, blaming these solely on the minister without solid proof was unsustainable.
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