Reddys do a Ghajini to evade questions on illegal mining

Hyderabad, Sept 20: With the Reddy Brothers' dubious illegal mining activities out in the public, they are all set to face the legal music and some major grilling by the CBI. After mining baron Gali Janardhana Reddy and his brother-in-law and Obalupuram Mining Company Managing Director Srinivasa Reddy were arrested by the CBI for further questioning on illegal mining activities in the state, they seem to be playing the 'amnesia' cards yet again reminiscent of the hit Bollywood movie 'Ghajini'.

In spite of repeated questioning of Srinivassa Reddy by the CBI, he apparently kept replying, "I don't remember".

Yesterday (Sept 19) saw the Reddys judicial custody extended till Oct 3. Janardhana was quoted as saying in the court that his arrest was illegal with the court reprimanding him and saying that it was up to the court to decide if his arrest was legal or not.

The CBI in its arguments in court revealed that iron ore was being transported by the Reddy Brothers abroad through benami companies. The facts were revealed in their custody petition that was submitted by V V Lakshmi Narayana, CBI joint director. These benami companies were also found to have invested in Brahmani Steels that was under the ownership of Janardhana Reddy.

The CBI is investigating the details of such benami dealings. They also divulged in court that the accused in custody had not opened up in the six days. The CBI, added that many people can bring in supplying evidence in the form of video records against the Reddys. They also considered that they would gather many more clinching evidences if their custody period was extended.

The CBI was also probing into the officials involved in awarding of the licenses and permits to the mining kings in Bellary. An official commented, "About Rs 5 crore meant for B.V. Srinivas Reddy was seized recently at Guntakal. About 10 kg gold and Rs 2 lakh cash were recovered from the lockers and accounts of Mr Janardhan Reddy's wife Lakshmi Aruna, Mr Srinivas Reddy and others."

OneIndia News