Illegal mining: ‘YSR’ son Jaganmohan next on CBI hit-list

After the arrest of 'Bellary baron' G Janardhan Reddy, a BJP MLA and former Karnataka minister, on grounds of illegal iron ore mining, the Central Bureau of Investigation is next targeting YSR Congress chief Y S Jaganmohan Reddy, according to several reports quoting unnamed CBI sources.

This is because links have emerged between Jaganmohan, a member of parliament, and Janardhan in granting mining leases through underhand deals. The CBI says there is evidence of collusion between the Gali Reddy brothers' Obulapuram Mining Corp (OMC) and Jaganmohan's business activities.

The CBI said that the investigations into the illegal mining and assets case, which it is carrying out under the orders of Andhra Pradesh high court, have reached a crucial stage, and interrogation of the Kadapa MP has become necessary.

Jaganmohan is alleged to have struck quid pro quo deals with several companies, involving investment in his business ventures in return for favours from the government, then led by his father YSR Reddy.

Widely known as 'YSR', the senior Reddy ruled Andhra Pradesh for five years from 2004 till his death in a helicopter crash in 2009.

A CBI official said investigators would soon question Srilakshmi, who was the mining secretary then, and Rajagopal, then director of the Andhra Pradesh Mining Development Corporation. ''Jagan's turn will come next,'' one official said.