Team Goemkarponn
BENGALURU: In a significant turn of events, Goa Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte has been acquitted by a Bengaluru court in a high-profile case involving allegations of illegal iron ore mining and transportation. This verdict marks the culmination of a long-standing legal battle that has been under scrutiny since the early 2010s. The acquittal not only brings closure to Khaunte but also highlights the complexities of India’s mining sector, where systemic lapses have often overshadowed individual accountability.
The case against Khaunte originated from widespread allegations of illegal mining activities in Goa during the early 2010s. A government-backed inquiry led by retired judge M B Shah in 2012 revealed that all 90 iron ore mines in Goa were operating without proper environmental permissions, leading to a suspension of operations. The illegal mining activities were estimated to have cost the state over USD 6 billion between 2007 and 2012.
In the years following the inquiry, the Goa government renewed 88 mining leases in 2015, a decision that faced legal challenges due to allegations of bypassing mandatory auction processes. The Supreme Court intervened in 2018, quashing these lease renewals and mandating a transparent auction process for future leases.
Khaunte, previously the minister for Mines and Geology, was accused of facilitating illegal mining operations and overlooking regulatory norms, leading to significant revenue losses and environmental degradation. However, the trial, which examined extensive evidence over several months, concluded that the prosecution failed to provide conclusive evidence linking Khaunte directly to the illegal activities.
The court’s verdict underscores the systemic issues within the mining sector, where lapses in governance have often been more pronounced than individual wrongdoing. While the acquittal clears Khaunte of personal involvement, it also serves as a reminder of the broader challenges facing India’s mining industry.
