HC dismisses Reddy's plea challenging extension of CBI custody

Karnataka High Court today dismissed a petition filed by former Tourism Minister G Janaradhan Reddy challenging his extension of CBI custody in connection with illegal mining activity of the Associated Mining Company, owned by him and his wife.

Justice N Ananda upheld the designated CBI court extending CBI custody of Reddy, who had been arrested in connection with illegal mining. "There is nothing wrong with the CBI court extending Reddy's custody till March 16 in connection with probe into illegal mining," the judge observed.

Reddy appeared before the CBI court here on March 2 in connection with the case and was remanded to CBI custody till March 12.The Special CBI court on March 12 extended Reddy's custody by four days and the former minister had moved the High court challenging extension of his custody.

The former minister was brought here from Chanchalaguda prison where he has been lodged along with his brother-in-law B V Srinivas Reddy since September 5 after his arrest by CBI in "illegal" mining case in Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC).

Reddy and 20 others face charges of alleged involvement in illegal mining, over which CBI filed an FIR in October 2011. Associated Mining Corporation and Deccan Mining Syndicate owned by Reddy and his wife are facing a probe over alleged illegal mining under a Supreme Court directive.

Former minister and Congress leader V Muniyappa and a few other officials are the other accused in the case. The special court on March 16 remanded Reddy to judicial custody till March 24 on expiry of CBI custody.