Police in Karnataka's Sandur register FIR over iron ore theft

Ballari: The Sandur police have registered a first information report (FIR) pertaining to the alleged illegal transportation of ore from the mines owned by National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) under union steel ministry. 

On January 16, at 10 am, the police intercepted a truck transporting 20 MT of high-quality iron ore near Babayya cross in Sandur. The truck was transporting ore from “C” Block of NMDC mines in Sandur.

Upon getting information, officials of the mines and geology department too arrived at the spot and verified the documents.

It emerged that the truck had no permit to transport ores. The driver of the truck informed the officials that ore was being transported to a sponge iron factory in Nemakallu of neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.

However, the officials grew suspicious. They lodged a complaint with the Sandur police. 

Deputy director of mines and geology department Dwitiya E C said that they unearthed illegal transportation of ore and that an FIR had been filed in this regard.