Sabita lobs ball into YSR's court
Hyderabad: In a new development in the mining scam probe, home minister P Sabita Indira Reddy has reportedly told the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials that she signed certain files pertaining to the leases granted to Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC) as per the 'instructions' of then chief minister YS Rajasekhara Reddy.
The CBI team questioned Sabita on her role in the alleged illegal mining scam involving jailed Karnataka minister Gali Janardhan Reddy. The questioning was conducted at the home minister's residence on Friday night around 9.30 p.m., possibly to avoid the media glare.
In the interrogation that went on for over two hours, sources said that the probe team asked her about her role in issuing mining leases to Janardhan Reddy's company. Sabita Reddy was in-charge of the mines department between 2004 and 2009, the period during which the OMC was granted permit for iron ore mining.
'She was asked about various issues pertaining to grant of mining leases to OMC during her tenure. Her statement has been recorded,' sources said.
The CBI is understood to have asked her about two specific files pertaining to OMC leases. To this, she reportedly said that she signed it on the 'instructions' of YSR and that she had 'no say' in the matter.
Sources said that though she denied any wrongdoing, there are several loopholes in her version. If required, she may be questioned again, sources added.
Before questioning her, the CBI had again grilled senior IAS officer Srilakshmi, who has been named as accused in the illegal mining case along with former mines director VD Rajagopal.
Sources said she was questioned for alleged violation of rules for granting mining leases to OMC. The CBI had earlier questioned Rajagopal in connection with the alleged violations. Sources added that the CBI is all set to file a chargesheet in the illegal mining case and some arrests are likely to follow next week.
News Posted: 30 October, 2011
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