The managing director of a mineral trading company was threatened at gunpoint, allegedly by goons hired from Mumbai by a partner of a company, to whom he was supplying iron ore. The victim, who has received several threat calls, has requested the North division Deputy Commissioner of Police to provide security for him and his family. The DCP has forwarded the application to the officials concerned to assess whether the victim needs police protection as claimed.
The victim, Mr Shaju Nair (37), MD of Clariya Group, a mineral trading company based in Hospet of Bellary district, stays at Brigade Courtyard Apartments on HMT Main Road in Bengaluru.
A senior police officer said that Mr Nair claims to be in the business since 2003, and has been seriously hit by the Supreme Court order of 2010 banning iron ore mining in the state. He is also a machinery contractor for S. Sudharshan Singh Mines and was the sole supplier of iron ore from the mines. Mr Nair has told the police that he had taken `7.5 crore for running his business from Mr. Shubha Kumar, who is said to be a partner in the Shimoga-based Gnanee Business Corporation. Mr. Kumar is a resident of Tilak Nagar in Shimoga.
But after the mining ban, Mr Nair said, his business is badly hit and he has not been able to repay the amount. He claimed that he has to receive at least Rs 15 crore from the market, which would take care of his liabilities. But Mr Kumar has been pressuring him to return the money immediately, and in cash, while Mr Nair has offered to settle the dues by pledging his properties in Chennai and Hospet.
Mr. Kumar allegedly laid siege to Mr Nair’s house with 40-50 goons he brought from Mumbai. Mr Nair had complained to the Jalahallai police sub-inspector orally. The statement, however, has to be verified, the officer said.
Mr Nair said he would return the money he owes to Mr Kumar, but as the threats are continuing he needed police protection for himself and his family. He has also stated in the complaint that Mr Kumar has to be held responsible if he or his family is harmed in anyway.
Officials at the north division DCP’s office said that the complaint is being investigated and both parties have been summoned.