CBI grills Jagan again in disproportionate assets case

, May 26: Kadapa MP

on Saturday appeared before the

for the second round of questioning in connection with the alleged disproportionate assets case. Jagan, who was grilled for a long time on Friday, was questioned about the alleged irregularities with regard to VANPIC project, according to CBI sources.

He was questioned in the presence of other accused Nimmagadda Prasad, an industrialist and Brahmananda Reddy, former Special Secretary of the Infrastructure Department of Andhra Pradesh. Terming the quizzing as "peaceful", the Kadapa MP said that "clarifications have been sought and have been given. I will be facing them (CBI) again. I will be giving them further clarifications."

The CBI had already arrested state Excise Minister Mopidevi Venkata Ramana Rao, who held the infrastructure portfolio during the tenure of late YS Rajasekhara Reddy. CBI alleged that the government orders issued by Mopidevi and Brahmananda Reddy with regard to VANPIC project were not according to Cabinet decisions.

This is for the first time since the CBI had lodged an FIR last August and subsequently filed three charge sheets against him, that Jagan was quizzed by the agency. The CBI alleged that Jagan "influenced" his father YSR into doling out favours to select investors as a quid-pro-quo for investing into his businesses.

The probe agency had earlier said that it wanted to question Jagan on the Vadarevu and Nizampatnam Ports and Industrial Corridor (VANPIC) deal in the presence of Nimmagadda Prasad and Brahmananda Reddy, who are already under arrest. Prasad is the promoter in the VANPIC deal and allegedly invested Rs 850 crore in the business of Jagan.

PTI