Kandla port scam: Case against ex-chairman

CBI has registered a case against a former chairman and three serving officials of Kandla Port Trust (KPT) in connection with a multi-crore-rupee land scam.

The disclosure was made by CBI standing counsel Vikas Pahwa before a Delhi high court division bench of chief justice Dipak Misra and justice Manmohan.

It was also disclosed that CBI had sought permission from the Centre to prosecute the KPT officials. “Further investigations are on in the case,” CBI said.

The court was hearing a petition by NGO Centre for Public Interest Litigation, which alleged that over 16,000 acres of port land was leased out by KPT officials to select individuals for minimal rent.

According to the petition, the Union ministry of shipping knew of the scam involving KPT officials. “The beneficiaries of the scam are a few industrialists and hoteliers in the state [Gujarat] and some officials in the [shipping] ministry and KPT,” it said.

The court posted the matter for further hearing on August 11.
Among those against whom CBI has registered a case is then KPT chief vigilance officer Manoranjan Kumar, who had blown the lid off the scam in which private salt companies were allowed to use 16,000 acres of port land even after the expiry of lease years ago.

CBI has also booked former chairman A Janardan Rao (MD, Indian Port Association), KC Vyas, DM Makwana and SC Venkatesh.

According to KPT, it granted leases without land valuation and auction and 37 of the 42 leases expired in 2004. The leases were for 30 years and nonrenewable.