Is the OMC Illegal Mining Case Taking New Turns? Telangana HC Issues Notice to Ex-Minister
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The ongoing saga of the Obulapuram illegal mining case takes a new twist as the Telangana High Court issues notices to former Minister Sabitha Indra Reddy and ex-IAS officer B. Kripanandam. The CBI is challenging their earlier acquittal, claiming significant involvement in illegal mining activities. What will this mean for the accused and the future of mining regulations in the region?
Key Takeaways
- Telangana High Court issues notices to former Minister and ex-IAS officer in illegal mining case.
- CBI challenges their acquittal by a lower court.
- Case involves illegal mining activities by OMC in Anantapur district.
- CBI seeks to overturn a prior ruling declaring the accused innocent.
- The hearing is adjourned until next month.
Hyderabad, Aug 18 (NationPress) The Telangana High Court has issued notices to former Minister Sabitha Indra Reddy and ex-IAS officer B. Kripanandam regarding a petition from the CBI that challenges their acquittal by a lower court in the Obulapuram illegal mining case.
The High Court has commenced hearings on the CBI's petition and has directed both Sabitha Indra Reddy and Kripanandam to submit their responses.
The case hearing has been postponed until next month.
The CBI is seeking to overturn the May 8 ruling of the special CBI court, which proclaimed Sabitha Indra Reddy and Kripanandam as not guilty.
In this case, they are identified as the third and eighth accused, respectively.
The CBI's challenge to their acquittal is based on allegations of their involvement in a conspiracy to assign mining leases to the Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC) in Obulapuram and the Antaragangamma Hills within Anantapur district. The agency claims they significantly contributed to the leasing of 885 hectares, which enabled OMC to illegally transport 20.32 lakh tonnes of ore.
This case, initiated by the CBI 16 years ago, pertains to illegal mining activities carried out by OMC in the Anantapur district of the former Andhra Pradesh.
In May, the CBI special court sentenced BJP MLA from Karnataka Gali Janardan Reddy, his relative and OMC Managing Director B.V. Srinivas Reddy, former Director of the Mining Department D. Rajagopal, and Janardan Reddy’s aide, Ali Khan, to seven years in prison.
Sabitha Indra Reddy, who served as the home minister of Andhra Pradesh at the time the case was initiated, and retired IAS officer B. Kripanandam were acquitted due to insufficient evidence against them.
In June, the Telangana High Court suspended the sentence and granted conditional bail to the convicted individuals.
On July 25, the High Court rejected a petition from IAS officer Y. Srilakshmi who sought discharge from the case.
Currently serving in the Andhra Pradesh government, she is the sixth accused in this 2009 case.
While rendering its May ruling, the CBI special court did not address the alleged involvement of IAS officer Y. Srilakshmi since she had approached the High Court to contest the special court’s decision.
Point of View
The integrity of public officials is paramount. The recent developments in the OMC illegal mining case highlight the complexities of accountability in a system where powerful individuals may exploit their positions. The CBI's pursuit of justice reflects a commitment to upholding the law, even when it involves high-profile figures. As this case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and integrity in governance.
NationPress
05/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Obulapuram illegal mining case?
The Obulapuram illegal mining case involves allegations against several public officials, including former Minister Sabitha Indra Reddy, for conspiring to allocate mining leases illegally to the Obulapuram Mining Company, resulting in illicit mining activities.
Why did the Telangana High Court issue notices?
The Telangana High Court issued notices following a petition from the CBI that challenged the previous acquittal of former Minister Sabitha Indra Reddy and ex-IAS officer B. Kripanandam in the Obulapuram illegal mining case.
What are the implications of the CBI's appeal?
The CBI's appeal seeks to overturn the acquittal of the accused, potentially leading to a retrial and further scrutiny of the individuals' roles in the alleged illegal mining operations.
