Bengaluru – The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on Tuesday arrested Congress MLA from Karwar, Satish Sail, in connection with a long-pending case of iron ore theft and illegal transport. The arrest follows repeated non-appearance by the legislator for questioning despite multiple summons.
Arrest after repeated absences
The ED had registered an ECIR (Enforcement Case Information Report) against Sail and conducted searches at his residences in Karwar and Bengaluru on August 13 and 14. During the raids, officials reportedly seized ₹13 crore in cash and gold ornaments.
According to sources, Sail neither appeared before the agency for questioning nor sought additional time, prompting the ED to initiate his arrest. Following his detention, Sail was taken to the agency’s office in Shanthinagar for questioning before being shifted to Bowring Hospital for a medical examination. He is expected to be produced before the special court for public representatives.
Belekeri port iron ore case
The case dates back to 2010, when forest officials seized iron ore stocks at Belekeri port in Uttara Kannada district following widespread reports of illegal mining in Ballari. Investigations revealed that Sri Mallikarjuna Shipping Pvt Ltd, owned by Sail, had purchased iron ore from different agencies out of the seized material.
The company, in alleged collusion with port conservator Mahesh Biliya, later removed the seized stock and exported it to China without valid documentation. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had charged Sail with theft and illegal export of iron ore worth nearly ₹200 crore.
Previous conviction and bail
On October 24, 2024, the special court sentenced Sail to seven years’ imprisonment for his role in the Belekeri port case. However, in November 2024, the Karnataka High Court suspended the sentence and granted him bail pending appeal.
The ED has now revived the case by probing financial irregularities linked to the theft and transport of the seized ore. Sources in the agency said that Sail’s non-cooperation during the inquiry and his alleged involvement in money laundering connected to the proceeds of crime necessitated his arrest.
Political implications
Sail’s arrest is expected to create ripples in Karnataka’s political landscape. As the Congress MLA from Karwar, he holds influence in Uttara Kannada district. Opposition leaders have alleged that the arrest is politically motivated, while the ED maintains that it is part of its ongoing crackdown on illegal mining and money laundering cases across the state.
The timing of the arrest—coming ahead of crucial state political developments—has added to speculation about its larger implications.
What lies ahead
Sail is likely to be produced before the special court for public representatives in Bengaluru, where the ED may seek his custody for further interrogation. The case, tied to one of the biggest illegal mining scandals in Karnataka, is expected to see renewed attention as the trial progresses.
For now, the legislator’s legal troubles have resurfaced, casting a shadow over both his political career and the Congress party in the state.