Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, May 4: A division bench of the state High Court, which admitted a petition filed by Narendra Hittalamakki, assistant forest conservator (ACF) of Ankola range within Karwar forest subdivision against his recent suspension, has served notice on the state government. Hittalamakki had played a major role in bringing to the fore illegal export of iron ore through Belekeri port near Ankola.

The above officer had filed a complaint at Ankola police station about the fact that five lac metric tonnes of iron ore valued at Rs 200 crore had gone missing from Belekeri port mysteriously. He had named eight mining companies and four shipping companies as responsible for the disappearance of the said ore. His report had resulted in losses to the mining companies by way of actions, legal battle, export ban, etc. The officer was suspended on April 2 this year.

Hittalamakki has said that Lokayukta raid was conducted on his house, in connection with a complaint of acquiring wealth disproportionate to his known sources of income, during March 2010. The raiding officials had recovered Rs 75,000 in cash and some documents from his residence. He said that his suspension was based on this raid, but the suspension order was issued after a year of the raid. He contended that he was suspended in spite of the fact that the Lokayukta police have not filed any report on this raid. He has accused the government of suspending him under pressure from the ore mining companies.