Mining scam: CBI questions Andhra Home Minister

CBI officials investigating the illegal mining case recently met Andhra Pradesh Home Minister P Sabita Indra Reddy to seek details of border disputes between Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka,especially those related to mines and leases.

CBI’s additional SP R M Khan met Sabita with a questionnaire that was prepared based on information gathered from former director of Mines and Geology V D Rajagopal,who has been made an accused in the case. Sabita was Mines and Geology Minister from May 2004 to April 2009,during which three mining leases were awarded to former minister Gali Janardhan Reddy’s Obulapuram Mining Company in Anantapur district.

Officials cross-checked with Sabita Reddy whether a government order released on June 18,2007,by then Industries and Mines Secretary Y Shrilakshmi,giving 20 years mining lease to OMC in 68.21 hectares in Anantapur,had her permission,and whether she was aware the permit was being given to OMC.

The CBI also sought to know if,when she was Mines Minister,she was told or became aware that OMC obliterated boundary markings,including those set up by Survey of India,between Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka and illegally encroached upon land that was not part of the lease agreements.