Odisha’s Yazdani International that has bagged the controversial and environmentally sensitive Marki-Mangli coal block in Yavatmal is embroiled in other mining related cases too.
The coal block lies in the middle of a forest and is part of the tiger corridor. Environment activists have raised concern over mining in the area.
Report submitted by a special investigation team (SIT) in Karnataka says the company was involved in illegal export of iron ore. The company has been charged with violating Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation (MMDR) Act, apart from other violations.
A charge sheet has been filed and the case is being heard before a special judge in Karnataka. The company had filed a writ petition before the Karnataka high court seeking that the charge sheet be quashed. The plea has been dismissed over a week ago. This means, the case will go on.
TOI had earlier reported that even as the company had bagged the mine in Vidarbha through competitive bidding, Yazdani International has a negative net worth of over Rs20 crore. This raises doubt over its financial capacity to take up the project.
The allegations in the Karnataka case is that the company’s managing director and director entered into a criminal conspiracy and illegally transported 49,701 metric tonne iron ore to Belikeri port in Karnataka. The ore was sold within India and also exported without proper approval, leading to a loss of over Rs 6 crore to the state exchequer.
It has been observed by the Karnataka high court that if the magistrate or court is of the opinion that there is sufficient ground for proceeding in the matter, summons have to be issued to the accused. There is no bar on the court taking cognisance of the offence under Section 379 of India Penal Code along with offence under sections (4) and (41A) of MMDR Act. The element of conspiracy, cheating and breach of trust are already reflected in the charge sheet.
Section 379 deals with theft and the provisions of MMDR Act deal with transport and storing of minerals.
Senior Congress leader in Odisha Narsingh Misra said names of eight companies have emerged in connection with violation of norms related to environment and safety in the state. He said Serajuddin and Co was one of the entities.
TOI found that Serajuddin and Yazdani belong with the same group with common directors in both the entities.
Misra said he had also raised the iron ore mining issue in the legislative assembly.
