The special CBI court at Nampally in Hyderabad today ordered a 15-day judicial custody to the former Karnataka minister and mining baron Mr Gali Janardhan Reddy. He along with his cousin and MD of the Obulapuram Mining Company Mr Srinivasa Reddy will be in judicial custody till September 19.

Soon after the CBI court gave its order, both Janardhan Reddy and Srinivasa Reddy were shifted to Chanchalguda jail in the city.

Janardhan reddy was picked up by the CBI sleuths early this morning from his house at Bellary when he was relaxing in his Rs.2 Cr-worth golden chair. But, he now has to cool his heels in the Chanchalguda jail which is famous for unhygienic environs and mosquito problem.

Earlier, the counsel for Janardhan reddy opposed the remand and sought bail for his client on the ground that Janardhan reddy would cooperate with the CBI investigation. “The FIR doesn’t contain the name of Janardhan reddy. Moreover, he has no connection with the daily operations of his mining company and only Srinivasa reddy in his capacity as the MD of the company was responsible for its activities,” argued Janardhan reddy’s lawyers.

The court was, however, not moved by the argument and had rejected the bail application. Janardhan reddy and Srinivasa reddy were produced before the court amid the presence of hundreds of media personnel.