The Andhra Pradesh government on Wednesday suspended mining operations at six iron ore mines, including those owned by Karnataka Tourism Minister G Janardhana Reddy, in three villages in Anantapur district, pending “appropriate orders” from the Supreme Court on a report of its Central Empowered Committee (CEC).

The order suspending the mining activity was issued on the basis of a report of a three-member committee of the state Forest Department and also the “advice” of the CEC, according to Industries Secretary M Veerabhadraiah.

While the controversial Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC), owned by Janardhana, has three mining leases in these villages, the other three leases are held by Mahabaleswarappa and Sons, Bellary Iron Ore Private Ltd and Anantapur Mining Corporation.

The actions come a week after the CEC said the OMC was carrying out illegal mining operations in the Bellary Reserve Forest area and indicted the Andhra Pradesh government for trying to cover up the illegal mining of iron ore.

Cong plans stir to get Reddy brothers sacked

BANGALORE: Congress’ Karnataka unit on Wednesday announced a one-day agitation in Bangalore on December 5 to pressure Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa to drop the Reddy brothers from his ministry. Congress also demanded a CBI probe into alleged illegal mining activities. “The Karnataka government should ideally have ordered a CBI inquiry first,” KPCC president R V Deshpande said. “The chief minister is a prisoner in the hands of the Reddys. He is a coward and doesn't have the guts to act against them.” ENS