The chief security officer and estate officer of Bharat Gold Mines Ltd. (BGML) in Kolar Gold Fields has been arrested on the charge of colluding with those who were stealing gold ore and other valuable materials of the company.
Monday’s arrest of Anand Singh Rawat has vindicated suspicions of people and members of several organisations that repeated thefts in the mining area since the closure of mining operations in 2001 were not possible without the connivance of security personnel and police.
While Mr. Rawat was missing since the arrest of 17 people, including three security guards of BGML, on August 17, Circle Inspector of Police Abdul Salim is on “leave on health grounds”. Mr. Salim is allegedly absconding as he is facing charges of taking bribe from those looting the mines property.
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Deputy Superintendent of Police H.P. Rajanna and his team arrested Mr. Rawat from his residence based on information provided by the arrested. The arrested people have also reported provided information about Mr. Salim’s role.
The 17 people were arrested while attempting to steal gold-rich soil from Mysore Mines Mill, the oldest mine of BGML, under Marikuppam police limits. Later, a security supervisor was also arrested in connection with the case. With Mr. Rawat’s arrest, the number of people held in this connection has gone up to 19, KGF Superintendent of Police Rohini Katoch said.
A native of Uttarakhand, Mr. Rawat is a Second-in-Commandant of the Border Security Force. The Union Ministry of Mines appointed him as chief security officer of BGML 10 months ago, according to Ms. Rohini. He was working in Jammu prior to this assignment.
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He has been remanded in judicial custody for 15 days.
According to Ms. Katoch, the value of properties stolen from BGML premises will be known after the investigation is completed.