Lokayukta cops arrest Kudligi MLA for illegal mining

The Lokayukta Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Friday arrested B Nagendra, MLA from Kudligi in Ballari district, on charges of illegal mining and export of iron ore from Belekeri port in Uttara Kannada district.

SIT officials had issued a notice to Nagendra to appear before the investigating officer for questioning in a case pertaining to the export of 28,779 metric tonnes of iron ore from Belekeri port in 2009-10. Of the 28,779 metric tonnes of iron ore, 25,111 metric tonnes were supplied from Eagle Traders and Logistics, owned by Nagendra and Kuruba Nagaraj. SIT officials had arrested Nagaraj on March 9 in connection with a different case of illegal export of iron ore.

Nagendra was arrested on Friday afternoon when he “didn’t co-operate” with the investigation team. “Nagaraj’s arrest will also be shown in the arrest through a body warrant. During investigation, no documents pertaining to mining and transportation of iron ore were found. He got documents on iron ore supplied to the port. But he failed to submit any documents on the supply of iron ore,” a senior officer said. The SIT moved the Lokayukta special court for Nagendra’s police custody but the court remanded him in judicial custody till April 1. The application for police custody will be moved again on Monday, an officer said.