As already reported, citing continued threats to law and order and the security of its staffers, HBT announced on Wednesday that it was no longer bound by its 2010 agreement with the Kolkata Port Trust to run cargo handling operations at Haldia till 2020.
Reacting to this, KPT said it would not allow HBT to remove any of its equipment at Haldia.
HBT had invested about Rs 150 crore (Rs 1.5 billion) at Haldia, including six cranes and 50 dumpers.
"These assets are owned by the company. Any attempt to prevent us from moving them will be illegal and tantamount to theft," said Gurpreet Malhi, chief executive officer of HBT, today.
Adding: "In our two years of operation, Kolkata Port has benefited, having earned more than Rs 150 crore. We have brought about a three-fold increase in productivity, which enhanced the image of Kolkata Port."
KPT's acting chairman, Manish Jain, had said they'd seek compensation from HBT, as the agreement was to run till 2020.
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