What Was the Sentence for Janardhan Reddy and Three Others in the Illegal Mining Case?
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Synopsis
In a significant legal ruling, a CBI court has sentenced mining tycoon Gali Janardhan Reddy and three accomplices to seven years in prison for their role in illegal mining activities. The case, which has spanned 15 years, highlights critical issues of corruption and accountability in India's mining sector.
Key Takeaways
- Janardhan Reddy sentenced to seven years in prison.
- Case highlights corruption in mining sector.
- Acquittal of Sabita Indra Reddy due to insufficient evidence.
- Fines imposed on convicts and OMC.
- Long-standing investigation spanning 15 years.
Hyderabad, May 6 (NationPress) A CBI court has imposed a seven-year prison sentence on mining magnate and former Karnataka Minister Gali Janardhan Reddy, along with three other individuals, in connection with the Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC) case.
The Principal Special Judge’s Court of the CBI found Janardhan Reddy, ex-Director of Mines and Geology V.D. Rajagopal, OMC Managing Director B.V. Srinivasa Reddy, and Mehfuz Ali, Janardhan Reddy’s personal assistant, guilty in this long-standing case centered on illegal iron ore mining in Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur district.
Meanwhile, the court cleared the then Mines Minister Sabita Indra Reddy and former IAS officer Kripanandam of all charges, citing insufficient evidence to support their involvement.
This verdict has provided relief to Sabita Indra Reddy, who is currently a leader in the BRS and was implicated in the CBI’s supplementary charge sheet.
The court also levied a fine of Rs 10,000 on each of the four convicted individuals and Rs 2 lakh on OMC.
The CBI's investigation began in 2009, initiated by a directive from the Central government following a request from the Andhra Pradesh government. Janardhan Reddy, a former key BJP leader responsible for the party's rise to power in Karnataka in 2008, was arrested by the CBI on September 5, 2011, and later released on bail.
The first charge sheet was filed in 2011, and subsequent supplementary sheets named nine defendants, including IAS officer Y. Srilakshmi, who was discharged in 2022.
Another defendant, R. Linga Reddy, the former Assistant Director of the Mines Department, passed away during the trial.
Charges were brought against the accused under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Prevention of Corruption Act.
The trial, which was under the Supreme Court's scrutiny, wrapped up its arguments last month, with a deadline for completion set for May.
This case, involving illicit mining activities in Anantapur, has been ongoing for 13 years, during which over 3,400 documents were reviewed, and 219 witnesses were cross-examined.
The defendants faced charges under IPC Sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 420 (cheating), 409 (criminal breach of trust), 468 & 471 (forgery), and Prevention of Corruption Act Sections 13(2) & 13(1)(d).
The CBI discovered that during Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy's term as Chief Minister of united Andhra Pradesh, authorities favored Janardhan Reddy's OMC by granting iron ore mining leases for 68.5 hectares and 39.5 hectares in Obulapuram.
According to the CBI charge sheet, Janardhan Reddy & Co. illegally extracted iron ore beyond their authorized lease areas, even within Karnataka's forest regions, resulting in a financial loss of Rs 884.13 crore to the state.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the implications of this ruling on India’s mining sector, reflecting the ongoing struggle against corruption and the need for accountability. The judiciary's decisive action in this case underscores the importance of maintaining integrity in resource management and governance.
NationPress
20/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the verdict in the Janardhan Reddy case?
Gali Janardhan Reddy and three others were sentenced to seven years in prison for illegal mining.
Who were acquitted in this case?
Sabita Indra Reddy and Kripanandam were acquitted due to lack of evidence.
How long has the case been ongoing?
The case has been under trial for 13 years.
What fines were imposed on the convicts?
Each convict was fined Rs 10,000, and OMC was fined Rs 2 lakh.
What was the loss incurred due to illegal mining?
The illegal mining caused a loss of Rs 884.13 crore to the exchequer.
