VASCO
Illegal extraction and transport of laterite boulders and ordinary earth from government land at Verna village in Salcete taluka has caused a loss of about Rs 1,24,370 to the state exchequer. The matter came to light after a complaint was filed by Omkar Naik Gaonkar, geologist with the Directorate of Mines and Geology, Panaji.
In his complaint, he said that before December 22, 2025, unknown persons extracted and transported laterite boulders and ordinary earth from state government land at Verna without permission from the competent authority. The accused reportedly used unidentified vehicles to transport the material. The unauthorised extraction and removal of minerals led to an estimated loss of Rs 1,24,370 to the government.
Based on the complaint, Verna police registered an offence under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 4(1) and 4(1A) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, read with Rules 3 and 38 of the Goa Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1985.
