The CBI cited home minister Sabitha Indra Reddy as witness number 53 in the charge sheet submitted to the special court in the illegal mining case involving the former Karnataka minister Gali Janardhan reddy and his brother in law Mr BV Srinivasa reddy.

The CBI mentioned that Sabitha’s statement gains importance as it would confirm the connivance of the mining department officials in the illegal mining case.

The statement of Sabitha, recorded on Oct 26 under Cr PC section 161, was submitted to the court along with the charge sheet. Reports said the statement of Sabitha has heavily indicted the role of the suspended IAS officer Ms Y. Srilakshmi in the illegal mining scam.

According to CBI, the crux of the matter lies in the GO issued by Srilakshmi without using the words ‘captive mining’. In the note file sent to the then mining minister Sabitha, it was mentioned that the iron ore extracted by the OMC would be used for steel production by the Brahamani Steels but there was no mention of the words ‘captive mining’ in the GO issued in favour of the OMC owned by Gali brothers.

CBI said the absence of the words ‘captive mining’ in the GO issued by Srilakshmi prompted Gali brothers to export the iron ore to foreign countries. (JUBS)