the goan I network
MARGAO
After remaining absent for the hearing last time round, former Chief Minister Digambar Kamat on Monday appeared before the South Goa sessions Court in the mining case and executed a personal bond of Rs 20,000.
Kamat along with retired mining official Anthony D’Souza appeared in the accused box, while Prafulla Hede, who had appeared in the court last time round, was conspicuous by his absence.
Additional Sessions Judge Sayonara Laad later adjourned hearing of the matter to April 27 when the court will hear arguments before framing of charge against the three accused -- Prafulla Hedge, Digambar Kamat and retired mining assistant A T D’Souza.
Kamat told the media after coming out the court after executing the personal bond of Rs 20,000 that he has appeared before the court after he was issued summons. “I did not receive the summons last time round and hence I could not make at the last date of hearing”, Kamat said.
Unlike last time, the Special Investigating Agency was represented this time round by Special Public prosecutor G D Kirtani. Digambar Kamat has roped in Panjim-based High court lawyer, Adv Surendra Desai to represent him in the case. The Special Investigation Team has alleged in the chargesheet filed in the court that Digambar Kamat along with A T D’Souza showed undue favour to Prafulla Hede by condoning the delay of the renewal of mining lease without having any authority and in contravention of the provisions of the Mines and Minerals Act.
In the 1500-odd page chargesheet, the SIT has charged Digambar and the Sr. geologist for showing favour in granting the first application of renewal of mining lease TC No 30/1950 of Prafulla Hede on August 13, 2007 with a favourable noting.
In support of its case, the SIT has brought on record the statement of former senior Mines secretary Rajeev Yaduvanshi recorded under section 164 of the Cr P C before a special Judicial magistrate. “It is evident from the statement of Rajeev Yadhuvanshi that all the mines files which are the subject matter of the present offence were routed through Bhingui and Lolienkar, Director of Mines. “All the decisions of these files have been taken by the then Mines Minister Digambar Kamat who has personally approved the file”, the SIT claimed in the chargesheet.
The SIT further maintained in the chargesheet that the state government had the power to condone the delay applications filed by the lessee for the first renewal period from the year 1994-2000. Thereafter, since the year 2000, the SIT maintained that law was amended and the government enjoyed no powers to condone the delay application for first renewal application filed by the lessee.
