Laterite mining racket busted
PTI, PANAJI | 01 May 2012 23:36 IST
Several trucks and machinery were confiscated at the land acquired by Goa government to set up a sports city here for National Games 2014, busting an illegal mining racket on government land, police said.
Goa police raided the illegal laterite stone mining activity on the land Monday evening after a complaint by the locals.
Police said around 10 trucks ferrying the laterite stone illegally extracted from here were confiscated in the raid.
State Mines and Geology department also conducted an inspection at the site, located almost 30 kms away from Panaji.
Police have booked a case against unknown persons even as the sports ministry initiated an inquiry into the illegal activity on the land.
State Sports minister Ramesh Tawadkar said he has asked for a detailed report from the officers.
The land measuring 10 lakh sq mt was acquired way back in 2009 for construction of sports city.
Two important events - National Games 2014 and Portuguese Commonwealth Games 2013, are planned to be hosted on this land.
Using the illegally mined laterite stones, a new laterite prison should be built to house these "fly by night" criminals.If there is any place left, then jail the criminal ore miners too.