Karwar MLA Satish Sail Sentenced to 7 Years in Belekeri Port Iron Ore Case
Bengaluru: A Special Representatives’ Court in Bengaluru has sentenced Karwar Congress MLA Satish Sail to seven years of imprisonment and imposed fines in connection with the illegal iron ore export case from Belekeri port. This marks the third case resulting in such a sentence, with fines and imprisonment terms also declared in five other cases. In total, Sail faces five years for conspiracy, seven years for fraud, and three years for theft.
Following the hearing on October 24, the court found Satish Sail guilty, with crore in cumulative fines issued across the cases. Alongside Sail, Mahesh Biliye, Mahesh of Lakshmi Venkateshwara Minerals, and Mallikarjuna Shipping also received prison terms.
As Sail received a sentence exceeding two years, he will lose his MLA seat unless he secures a stay from the High Court. The verdict has sparked potential political shifts in the Karwar constituency, where by-elections could be required if his disqualification is upheld.
Background of the Case
The illegal iron ore exports, primarily from forest areas in Bellary, Hospet, and Sandur, were exposed in 2010 when the Forest Department seized iron ore worth ₹350 crore at Belekeri port. Upon investigation, 250 crore worth of iron ore was found missing. Subsequent probes led by the Lokayukta and CBI unearthed alleged illegal exports involving 88.06 lakh metric tonnes, including 7.23 lakh metric tonnes by Sail’s Mallikarjuna Shipping Pvt. Ltd.
