SIT quizzes bizman Counto for 2 hours

Panaji: Businessman Anil Counto was quizzed for nearly two hours by police inspector Dattaguru Sawant of the special investigation team (SIT) of Goa police, investigating into the multi-crore illegal mining scam in the state. On Wednesday, Counto had been asked to remain present before SIT on October 5.

Counto told the SIT that "the jetty at Kothambi village in Bicholim taluka was built mainly for transportation of material and finished products" of his cement company. He denied carrying out any mining activities through any of his companies.

In the affidavit filed before the sessions court, Panaji, the SIT had stated that Counto of Alcon Cement Company Private Limited had applied to the then department of mines and geology to construct a loading jetty. He was called to be examined for this as the jetty was meant to export iron ore and import items such as cement, clinker and slag, even though Counto was neither a mine owner nor had he ever exported ore from Goa or imported cement, slag etc till the time the SIT affidavit was filed.

Counto was summoned by the SIT to verify who transported ore from his jetty. "Someone is trying to defame me," Counto said to reporters prior to appearing before the SIT.

During questioning, he said that he acted as a "logistic service provider". The jetty, he said, was used by over 10 companies and that the customers paid per tonne for the transportation of material. He was questioned as to why he applied to directorate of mines and geology for permission if he had no plans for any mining-related business. Sources said that seven to eight of the 10 companies Counto was dealing with included names which were into iron ore mining.