CBI quizzes Karunakara Reddy in illegal mining case

The Central Bureau of Investigation probing the alleged illegal mining and irregularities in allotment of leases to Obulapuram Mining Company, on Friday began questioning former Karnataka minister Gali Karunakara Reddy in connection with the case.

After being summoned, Karunakara Reddy, a former director of OMC and brother of mining baron Gali Janardhan Reddy, appeared before the central agency at its office, where officials started questioning him in the alleged illegal mining case.

The agency continued interrogation of Janardhan Reddy and his brother-in-law B V Srinivas Reddy, managing director of OMC - both under arrest - for the fourth consecutive day in presence of their counsels, officials said.

The CBI had on Thursday also questioned Gali Somsekhar Reddy, MLA from Karnataka and another brother of Janardhan Reddy, in the same case.

Meanwhile, the Special CBI Court today directed that Janardhana and Srinivas Reddy be given minimum facilities at the place where they are lodged after their day-long interrogation.

The counsel of both Reddys had yesterday filed a petition in the court alleging that their clients were being questioned by CBI in late night hours and sought minimum facilities for them after completion of their questioning.

CBI officials also continued the examination of former director of mines and geology (Andhra Pradesh) V D Rajagopal in connection with the mining case.

The court had on Tuesday last dismissed the bail pleas of Janardhan and Srinivas Reddy, and ordered that they be handed over to the investigating agency for their custodial investigation till September 19.