Reddy is ready for CBI probe into mining

Addressing a hurriedly convened press conference here, Reddy said his company had abided by rules and had not indulged in illegal mining. Interestingly, he himself had suggested a CBI probe into the issue three years ago. Reddy also accused the opposition parties in Andhra Pradesh, particularly the Telugu Desam Party, of indulging in “mean politics” by levelling allegations against OMC.

Ruling out resignation, he said: “When I have not erred, why should I resign?”
He added there was nothing illegal about four leased mines under OMC.

On TDP leader Chandrababu Naidu’s charges, Reddy said: “Naidu is a politically unemployed person. In India there are several mine owners. But why am I being targeted by the TDP? It’s a political agenda of Chandrababu Naidu, who has lost his mental balance.”

‘State must help CBI’

Meanwhile, commenting on the decision of the Andhra Pradesh government to recommend a CBI probe into the illegal mining issue, Lokayukta chief Justice N Santosh Hegde said: “Unless the Karnataka government cooperates with the CBI and allows the agency to conduct the probe in the State’s territory, the investigation will not be complete.”

“The company — OMC — is carrying out illegal mining in Karnataka using the license obtained from the AP government. I have made it clear in my report that illegal mining is being done. It is high time Karnataka government implemented my recommendation.”