Yeddyurappa gives clean chit to Reddy Brothers in illegal mining racket

New Delhi, July 18 (ANI): Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa on Sunday gave a clean chit to his cabinet ministers, the Reddy brothers, Janardhana and Karunakara in the illegal mining controversy.

"Reddy brothers met me this morning, we had breakfast together. We have discussed in detail about the illegal mining issue and in no way they are responsible for this illegal mining," Yeddyurappa said.

The Reddy brothers have been accused by the Congress and Janata Dal-Secular (JDS) of a significant role in the mining scandal.

The state opposition parties have been demanding a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation, to ascertain the involvement of Janardhana Reddy and Karunakara Reddy, Ministers for Infrastructure and Revenue, respectively.

Yeddyurappa also termed the opposition's charges as baseless.

"According to me, in future the Reddy brothers are going to clarify their stand. Our Congress and JDS friends unnecessarily charging Reddy brothers without any supported document or any charges," said B S Yeddyurappa.

He further said that the Lokayukta would be looking into the illegal mining prevalent in Karnataka since 2002.

"As you know we have already given full powers to Lokayukta and I am going to write a letter to Lokayukta tomorrow to investigate the illegal mining from 2002-03 to till date," Yeddyurappa added. (ANI)