Panaji, Dec 8 (TOI): The special investigation team (SIT) of Goa police, in its reply filed before the special court in the alleged illegal mining case concerning mine owner Praful Hede, said they will serve a 48-hour notice to former chief minister Digambar Kamat if it is required that he be interrogated in custody. Kamat has filed for anticipatory bail and court has granted him interim bail.

SIT said that because of the illegal condonation of the delay in renewing of mining lease by Hede, the state lost over Rs 14 crore.

PI Uday Naik said that the investigating officer will decide whether Kamat needs to be interrogated in custody only after further examination of the case.

SIT said that officials of the directorate of mines and geology had volunteered to give their statement under Section 164 CrPC before special judicial magistrate Panaji and that the same is under process."After receipt of copies of statements under Section 164 CrPC of the officials of mines department, the role of the accused (Kamat) is being again verified for the purpose of investigation of this case," Naik said.