Gali Janardhana Reddy illegal mining case: CBI moves Karnataka High Court for attachment of properties

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has moved the Karnataka High Court seeking a direction to the State government for expeditious consideration of an application for attachment of former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Gali Janardhana Reddy’s properties in relation to a corruption case [CBI v State of Karnataka].

The petition filed through advocate P Prasanna Kumar said that as per the investigation, Reddy along with his associates caused wrongful loss to the State to the tune of ₹198 crores by indulging in illegal mining activities.

It was alleged that Reddy engaged in large scale mining in Bellary and surrounding areas, thereby, causing wrongful loss to the government.

"It is the case of the prosecution as per the charge sheet material that the 1st accused in conspiracy with the co-accused had committed large scale mining in Bellary & surrounding areas, and thus caused wrongful loss of Rs 198 crores to the Government exchequer for having illegally sold & exported iron ore to an extent of 6.05 lac MT," the plea said.

According to the CBI’s plea, during investigation, it was found that there were certain properties held by Reddy and the companies connected to him. Therefore, a representation was made by them to the State seeking attachment of those properties.

After this representation was made, Reddy allegedly began disposing of these properties in order to evade the procedure of law.

"The 1st accused having come to know that the petitioner is making efforts to trace his properties being held at the State of Andhra Pradesh and State of Telangana and that it would seek for attachment of the said properties, the 1st accused has started disposing of certain properties held by him & his family members at Kurnool District, Hyderabad District & Ranga Reddy District," it was submitted.

In light of this, the CBI made a representation to the Ranga Reddy District Registrar to abstain from registering any documents relating to the properties sought to be attached.

However, no action was taken on these representations prompting the CBI to approach the Court.