Four Andhra Pradesh ministers under CBI scanner in Jagan case

Hyderabad, May 31: Four Andhra Pradesh Ministers may come under

scanner for their alleged role in issuing controversial Government Orders that have become the basis for filing a case against YSR Congress chief

.

Jagan Reddy was arrested in an alleged disproportionate assets case on May 27 after being grilled for three days by the investigating agency. Dharmana Prasada Rao, J Geeth Reddy, Ponnala Lakshmaih and Sabitha Reddy who held Revenue, Major Industries, Irrigation and Mining portfolio, respectively during YS Rajasekhara Reddy's’ regime will be questioned for their role in issuing certain GOs that are alleged to have favoured some companies which in turn invested in Jagan Reddy’'s companies as quid-pro-quo, CBI said in an affidavit field before the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court on March 12 issued notices to six Andhra Pradesh ministers and eight IAS officers on a plea alleging that the CBI was not proceeding against them despite having sufficient evidence that they helped Jagan Reddy to accumulate massive illegal assets.

A bench headed by Justice Dalveer Bhandari issued the notices to CBI, ministers and the IAS officers and sought their stands on the petition filed by an advocate, Sudhakar Reddy. The CBI had already arrested Mopidevi Venkata Ramana Rao, former Excise Minister who held Infrastructure and ports portfolio during Rajasekhara Reddy's regime in connection with the Jagan Reddy’'s alleged disproportionate assets case.

The CBI said it would examine Sabitha Reddy in connection with the GOs related to Bharathi Cements, prospective license to Penna Cements, mining lease for Limestone in favour of Saraswathi Power and Industries and transfer of mining lease held by Eswar Cements. Ponnala will be examined in connection with the GOs related water supply permission to India Cements for its manufacturing facilities in the State.

PTI