CBI challenges Acquittal in Obulapuram Mining case, HC seeks response

Telangana High Court issued notices to Sabita Indra Reddy and Kripanand in the Obulapuram Mining Company case after CBI challenged their acquittal, alleging illegal lease grants that benefited mining baron Gali Janardhan Reddy

By Legal Correspondent

Hyderabad: Justice K. Lakshman of the Telangana High Court on Monday issued notices to former Mines Minister Sabita Indra Reddy and former Industries and Commerce Secretary Kripanand in connection with the Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC) case.

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The move came after the CBI filed a criminal appeal challenging the order of the CBI court dated May 6, which had acquitted both of them citing lack of evidence. The trial court had earlier held Sabita Indra Reddy (A-9) and Kripanand (A-8) not guilty.

Appearing for the CBI, Special Public Prosecutor Srinivas Kapadia argued that the trial court erred by overlooking crucial evidence. He submitted that both the accused were directly involved in granting illegal mining leases to OMC, headed by mining baron Gali Janardhan Reddy.

According to the CBI, in 2005 the duo facilitated the grant of a temporary lease to OMC despite clear directions from the Centre against it. The lease was initially meant for captive use within undivided Andhra Pradesh, but the restriction was later lifted, enabling OMC to export iron ore to foreign countries. The agency contends that this decision violated established procedures and resulted in unlawful benefits to OMC.

After hearing the submissions, the High Court issued notices to both respondents seeking their explanation. The bench also directed that the present appeal be clubbed with pending appeals filed by Gali Janardhan Reddy and other accused, who were earlier convicted in the case but later released on bail.