Charge-sheet against Somashekara for threatening official

A charge-sheet has been filed against Bharatiya Janata Party Member of Legislative Assembly G Somasekhara Reddy, brother of arrested mining baron G Janardhana Reddy and 13 others, in connection with the alleged threat to the life of a top forest official who was investigating illegal mining in the district.

The 125-page charge-sheet has named Somasekhara Reddy as the main accused.

Conservator of Forests U V Singh had visited Ramghad reserve forest area in Sandur taluk in 2009 in connection with the investigation and found that the Reddy brothers were allegedly involved in it, following which he ordered seizure of nine vehicles.

Forest official Ramalingaiah had filed a case with the police on illegal mining.

Somasekhar Reddy and Bellary corporation's corporator K S Diwakar had allegedly threatened Singh after his visit to Ramghad, police said.

Deputy Superintendent of Police D Nagaraj investigated the complaint in 2011.

Somasekhara Reddy is in judicial custody in Hyderabad following his arrest in connection with the alleged cash-for-bail scam.