In a landmark verdict, the Nampally CBI Court today delivered its judgment in the long-pending Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC) illegal mining case. The court has convicted former Karnataka minister Gali Janardhan Reddy and several others, while acquitting Telangana minister Sabitha Indra Reddy and retired IAS officer B. Krupanandam.
The court found five accused guilty, including:
- A1: B.V. Srinivas Reddy
- A2: Gali Janardhan Reddy
- A3: V.D. Rajagopal
- A4: Obulapuram Mining Company
- A7: Mehfuz Ali Khan
These individuals were found guilty of multiple charges, including criminal conspiracy, cheating, and violations of mining regulations. Sentencing details are expected soon.
The case dates back over a decade and involves allegations of illegal iron ore mining across Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, causing massive environmental and financial damage to the exchequer.
Sabitha Indra Reddy, a former Union minister and currently a minister in the Telangana government, along with former IAS officer Krupanandam, was acquitted due to lack of evidence linking them directly to the illegal acts.
This verdict has political ramifications in both Telangana and Karnataka and is seen as a major step forward in India’s efforts to curb corruption in the mining sector.
Further reactions from political parties and legal experts are expected as the full judgment is made public.
