Illegal mining: Reddy's aide held, NBW against MLAs

Illegal mining came into the spotlight once again on Wednesday with the arrest of mines owner Srinivasa Reddy, a close ally of former minister G Janardhana Reddy, which also saw the issuance of non-bailable warrant against MLAs Anand Singh and Nagendra.

Srinivasa Reddy has been arrested on the charge of threatening N Sheikh Sab, owner of Indian Mines in Siddapura of Sandur taluk, at the behest of Janardhana Reddy. It is charged that Janardhana Reddy exerted pressure on Sab to make his close associate K M Alikhan, owner of Devi Enterprises, a partner in his mining company. Later, he took over Sab’s mining company by acquiring power of attorney.

SIT IGP M Chandrashekhar said the investigation has shown that Janardhana Reddy has sold 1.48 lakh tonnes of ore from July 2009 causing losses to the state exchequer.

Srinivasa Reddy is said to have played a major role in threatening Sab. He is also accused of taking an active part in illegal extraction and transportation of ore. The SIT has got custody of Reddy till October 6. Janardhana Reddy and Ali Khan, who was arrested earlier, are out on bail. Meanwhile, a CBI special court here issued non-bailable warrants (NBW) against Vijayanagara MLA Anand Singh and Ballari Rural MLA Nagendra in the case of illegal transportation of iron ore from Belekeri port.

The NBW was issued as the two accused failed to appear before the court for two consecutive hearings. They are expected appear in court on Thursday. The CBI has submitted its charge sheet in the case. The court is holding hearings every day. The absence of the two MLAs has led to delay in their charging.

Anand Singh has been accused of selling the illegally transported ore to two companies which sold them to SB Minerals. The anti-corruption wing of CBI had arrested Singh in 2013. Later, the Lokayukta SIT had also arrested him.

Nagendra, who is a partner in Eagleton Traders, has also been facing the same charges and he was arrested by CBI as well as Lokayukta SIT.