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OMC Illegal Mining Case: BV Turns 'Ghajini'

There was a bit of drama in the CBI special court on Monday during the proceedings of OMC illegal mining case. The CBI officials referred to Mr Srinivas Reddy, brother-in-law of mining baron Gali Janardhan Reddy on Monday as 'Ghajini' (after a character in the movie of the same name) as his repeated responses to their questions was - "I don't remember." The CBI counsels, who produced Gali Janardhan Reddy and BV Srinivas Reddy in the court after six days of CBI custody told that Srinivas either laughed like a crazy man or kept avoiding answers to all their queries.  

Naidu in Nellore: Says Congress is a Corrupt Tribe

Telugu Desam Party supremo Mr. Chandrababu Naidu is on three day trip to Nellore district. On way, speaking to the reporters at Renigunta airport, Naidu said that entire congress tribe was corrupt and jails in the country will not suffice to house all of them. He said there was no democratic administration and only the bureaucrats appear to be in control of affairs in the state. The TDP President said that he was touring the districts to motivate the farmers in their struggle for better MSP for their produce and also other demands. He said YSR Congress leader Jagan Mohan Reddy had taken a U-turn after his Delhi tour and started targetting the TDP, which clearly indicates that YSR party is going to merge with Congress in near future.      

Gali Case: CBI to Probe Reddys' Foreign Businesses

After seeking the court yesterday for extension of custody of Gali Janardhan Reddy and BV Srinivasa Reddy, the CBI is planning to probe in to their foreign businesses. The CBI is of the opinion that Gali Janardhan Reddy amassed huge wealth of nearly 7500 crores through illegal mining. The court sent the Reddys to Chanchalguda jail in judicial remand till 3 October. The report submitted by the CBI to the CBI Special Court says that Gali Janardhan Reddy had exported iron ore through Obulapuram Mining Company to some benami companies at cheaper prices in some foreign countries. In Turn, these companies have acquired variable stakes in the Brahmani Steel Company of Janardhan Reddy. The CBI explained in detail to the court about the monetary routing of Gali Janardhan Reddy and sought custody of nine more days to unravel the complete picture. The CBI also told the court that Janardhan Reddy has not divulged any information during interrogation in the past six days.      

Sikkim Quake Diasaster: Death Toll Rises to 72

The Sunday evening earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale ended within minutes, but the aftershocks were felt throughout Monday in Sikkim and Darjeeling rising the death toll in India, Nepal and Tibet to 72. The toll in north Sikkim, the epicentre of the quake, rose to 41 on Monday and many more were feared dead under the debris of buildings and houses. Nine deaths were reported from West Bengal and seven each from Bihar, Nepal and Tibet, bringing the toll outside Sikkim to 30 as rescue teams battled landslides and torrential rains to help the victims. Panic returned to Gangtok as the sun set on Monday, with thousands of people coming out of their houses with essential belongings and heading for MG Marg, the heart of the city. They then planned to reach Paljor stadium to spend the night, fearing aftershocks. There were reports of several landslides on National Highway 31A, the only road connecting Sikkim with the rest of the country. However, the Border Roads Organisation managed to open the highway for one-way traffic in the evening. Four hundred members of the National Disaster Relief Force and 20 doctors were stuck in Bagdogra because of bad weather and were expected to reach Gangtok on Monday night.      

Ayazuddin: A Budding Racer, Cricketer Lost

Former cricketer Azaharuddin's son, Ayazuddin was not only an upcoming cricketer, but also was an acknowledged second-best biker in the city's unofficial biking circuit. It is very unfortunate that this budding cricketer and racer died last Friday after a biking accident. A senior IPS official said that 19-year-old Ayaz was unofficially ranked second best in the biking circle and he would often participate in bike races on the Outer Ring Road. "He used to go riding every Saturday and Sunday on the Ring Road. The accident might have taken place when he was practicing," the official said. "The cases we had registered on Ayaz will be closed. However, we will be investigating and checking on the drag races that we suspect Ayaz was involved in," he added. Ayaz had forced his parents to buy him a Suzuki GSX-R1000 sports bike because his elder brother Asaduddin had one. After he got his bike, Ayaz would take it out every Saturday and Sunday morning to the Outer Ring Road. "Ayaz used to go to the Outer Ring Road for a drive on his bike since February. He had posted a lot of pictures of his bike rides on his Facebook account. He was very excited about owning the bike," said a friend of Ayaz.

Dinesh Reddy Gets Pat on The Back From PM

The Director General of AP Police V Dinesh Reddy was surprised last week when he attended the DGPs meet at Delhi. The reason for his pleasant surprise was Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who congratulated him in the meet. As is customary, the DGPs are introduced to the Prime Minister in the meeting. This time, the IB director Nehachal Sandhu introduced all DGPs to the Prime Minister. After shaking hands with Dinesh, the PM said "You are doing good work. Keep it up. I have heard about you." Even as Sandhu's eyes popped out, Dinesh was left wondering whether his repuation had preceeded him. The observers feel that it could have been about the excellent work done by Dinesh as vigilance and enforcement chief that is helping the CBI in the Emaar-APIIC case. The PM apparently was briefed about this at a briefing by his aides.  

Gali Case: General Public Volunteer to Help CBI

Never before general public were so interested in helping the investigating agencies as in the case of Gali Janardhan Reddy's case. The Central Bureau of Investigation, which is probing the mining scam of the former Karnataka minister is now getting help from some unexpected quarters. The Bureau is being flooded with letters and documentary evidence from the general public of AP and Karnataka regarding the alleged "misdeeds and irregularities" of the mining baron. The CBI has received at least 150 letters since the arrest of Mr Janardhan Reddy and his brother-inlaw B.V. Srinivas Reddy. Official sources said that the documents and letters, mostly posted from Bellary and Anantapur are related to information on illegal mining of OMC and Janardhan Reddy's other companies. A senior police official said, "The Gali brothers were literally ruling the Bellary area. People were afraid of his clout. But after his arrest and the CBI probe, things changed quickly. More skeletons are tumbling out of Gali's closet with the information." According to highly placed sources working with the CBI, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has prepared its own report on Mr Janardhan Reddy's involvement in illegal mining. They are now awaiting the final nod from the Union finance ministry before registering a case. Source who reportedly supplied key information on the Reddys to the CBI, said this time, even Mr Gali Janardhan Reddy's wife Gali Lakshmi Aruna could be in the dock for acting as a crucial link in the Reddy brothers' overseas business.

Gali Janardhan Reddy Remanded Till 3 October

Former Karnataka tourism minister Janardhana Reddy and his brother-in-law Srinivas Reddy have been remanded to judicial custody till October 3. They were produced before the CBI court in Hyderabad today as their custody ended today. The CBI, in its plea, had sought their judicial custody. They have been arrested in connection with the Obulapuram alleged illegal mining case. Janardhana Reddy was arrested earlier this month from his home in Bellary, and brought to Hyderabad, along with his brother-in-law. The former state minister is lodged in Chanchalguda Central Prison in Hyderabad. The two men have been accused of illegal mining via their infamous company, Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC). Srinivas is the Managing Director of the company and Janardhana is a Director on its board. The CBI reportedly found Rs. 3 crore in cash and 30 kilos of gold from the former minister's palatial mansion.    

Earthquake Hits Sikkim: 16 Dead

16 people lost their lives and over 100 were injured as a 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit Sikkim on Sunday evening. Authorities fear the toll could rise further. The exact extent of damages is yet to be assessed as relief and rescue is yet to reach affected areas. The Army has lost 2 jawans in North Sikkim. Army vehicles including a bus that went missing have been found and all personnel are safe. In all 50 armed columns have been deployed. 7-10 cookhouses have been set up to provide food to the homeless. The Bagdogra airbase has been made the centre of all operations. The armed forces have deployed teams for relief and rescue activity, the Centre is also sending emergency teams in. But heavy rains, intermittent power cut, and loss of mobile phone connectivity did hamper rescue operations in the initial hours. Rain and landslides hamper search and rescue operations. Authorities fear the toll could rise further. At 6.10 pm on Sunday evening, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake rocked Sikkim. Mangan, 54 km from Gangtok, was the epicentre of that quake that left a trail of death and massive damages in its wake. It was not just Sikkim that was shaken, the tremors were felt in Delhi, West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, North East and Nepal. The quake has cut off Sikkim. Mobile connectivity has been hit. The national highway is closed after heavy rains followed by landslides and there are reports of people being trapped. The Army has already reached out to the affected. The Centre has rushed in teams of the National Disaster Response Force. They have been flown in from Delhi and Kolkata till Bagdora from where they proceed by road. But the bad weather and landslides are posing huge challenges. The quake has given a rude jolt to Sikkim and many parts of northern and eastern India. Several homes and properties have been damaged but a clearer picture of the extent of damages is yet to come out.                

4.9 Crore Cash Seizure: CBI Takes OMC MD to Bellary

4.9 crore cash was seized by the police from a truck on Thursday in Ananthapur district. Two persons who were arrested with the cash, reportedly told the police that the cash belongs to Obulapuram Mining Company managing director, BV Srinivas Reddy who is under CBI custody along with his brother-in-law Gali Janardhan Reddy. A CBI team has taken BV Srinivas Reddy to Bellary in Karnataka to probe into the matter. According to the sources, CBI has gathered vital inputs about crores of rupees of transaction allegedly done by Reddy in the name of OMC and also suspected to have about dozen accounts in benami names. Reddy also has several lockers in the private bank, which the CBI authorities would be opening on Saturday. The role of the private bank's then official who allegedly helped helped Srinivasa Reddy to open several accounts in benami names is also being probed, the sources said. Former Karnataka minister G Janardhana Reddy and BV Srinivasa Reddy were arrested by CBI in Bellary on September 5 for illegal mining and were brought to Hyderabad for further investigation.  

Gali Case: ED to File Money Laundering Case

Even as the CBI is vigorously pursuing the illegal mining case involving the Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC) owned by Gali Janardhan Reddy and his brothers, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is all set to register a case to probe the money laundering angle in the huge wealth amassed by the Reddys. Sources said that ED officials, who are working in tandem with the CBI, are understood to have stumbled upon certain vital leads indicating that there is a money laundering angle to the whole affair surrounding the OMC. The ED is in the process of gathering the asset details of the Reddys. It is learnt that the ED officials based in Hyderabad had sent a preliminary report to their bosses in Delhi and the same had been forwarded to the top brass in the Ministry of Finance. The CBI believes, say sources, that the Reddys, may have laundered money by using benami companies, bogus loans, creditors, investors and foreign capital, especially by inflating the balance sheet and profit and loss accounts of individuals and companies in his group. During an Income Tax raid in Karnataka in August 2010, the officials stumbled upon documents that showed that the Reddys had reportedly invested thousands of crores of rupees in some companies in Indonesia and Singapore. "The IT department has also shared information with the CBI on certain bogus companies floated by the Reddys in Bahamas and Mauritius among other countries," sources said. It is not yet been confirmed whether the ED officials at Hyderabad have received go ahead nod from their Delhi top brass or not, it is for sure that the ED is all set to register the case very shortly. Unlike in the case of YS Jagan Mohan Reddy where ED though registered a case, did not attach properties of Jagan, it is going to attach the properties of Reddy brothers immediately after registering the case, said the sources.  

What Modi Said on Start of His Sadbhavana Fast

On the occasion of his 61st birthday, Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi embarked on his three-day fast for communal harmony at the Gujarat University Exhibition hall. The grand show was preceded by Mr Modi seeking blessings from his mother, Narmada Bai. After he arrived at the venue of his fast, the chief minister was greeted by several top leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) amidst chanting of prayers. Here are the highlights of Mr Modi's speech: * I am grateful to all for coming here to bless the Sadbhavana Mission. * Gujarat's development is being discussed across the India and world. * After the 2001 earthquake, everyone thought Gujarat will never be able to bounce back, Gujarat is finished. * Everyone said no one will invest in Gujarat, but we overcame those difficulties. * After the riots in 2002 riots, no one was willing to listen to our pain, Gujarat's image was maligned. * Even after the Akshardham terrorist attacks, Gujarat gave ample evidence of harmony and peace. But people did not notice that resolve of Gujarat. * Remember the days in the early 1990s; there were riots over a kite and curfews were common. But see the last ten years, there is no sign of a curfew. * I want to tell the world we want to move forward, contribute to India's growth story. * Gujarat should progress so that it its able to help other backward states in India * People from all over India come to Gujarat to earn a livelihood today. * I've tried to take all the blows, so that the impact did not reach you. * We've never been provoked into a response, we've never retaliated. * I was collecting  the stones people thew at me, and building a staircase to redemption. * We chose the constitutional path, the path of truth. * Gujarat's model of good governance is being discussed all over. * My three-day fast is not against anyone. * Sadbhavna mission will end vote-bank politics. * I have always served my country and state and will continue to do so. * Our motto is 'Develop Gujarat for India's Development'. * We want to excel at all levels of public work - from the panchayat to the state. * Gujarat does not need sermons from anyone. * We have proved how peace and harmony can result in development. Source: NDTV.

Ayaz Death: VVIPs Visit Azahar House to Condole

Struggling for his life for five days after being critically injured in a road accident, Ayazuddin, the son of former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin died on Friday at 11.45 AM in Jubilee Hills Apollo Hospitals. Ayazuddin, sustained critical injuries after a high-end sports bike he was driving skidded off the road at Puppalguda on Outer Ring Road (ORR) here last Sunday. Ayaz is the youngest of the two sons of Azharuddin from his first wife Naureen. His death comes in as a double blow for Azharuddin's family as his sister's son Ajmal, who was pillion riding with Ayaz, died on the spot. VVIPs started to come in scores to condole Azahar family, since Ayaz's body was brought to his house in Banjara Hills. After 'Namaaz-e-zanaaza' at Mecca Masjid at 5 PM, Ayaz will be taken to Hazrat Bandeshah Kabristan in Fisalbanda, Santhoshnagar for the final rites.      

4.95 Crore Cash Seized: Suspected to be Gali's Money

Guntakal police on Thursday recovered Rs 4.95 crore cash from a truck heading towards Hyderabad from Bellary. Police suspect the cash could belong to mining baron Gali Janardhana Reddy's Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC). It is suspected that there could be more cash stashed in the truck, which was seized by the cops at Hanuman Junction in the town. Two persons - Eeswar Reddy of Proddatur and Venkatrami Reddy of Kadapa - travelling in the truck were taken into custody. Venkatrami Reddy is brother of Sreenivasa Reddy who was arrested along with Gali Janardhan Reddy. The recovered cash was stashed in three gunny bags in the truck. Upon opening the bags, the police found bundles of cash in them. The duo was taken to the One Town police station where Eshwar Reddy said that he was the owner of the lorry and was going to deliver the cash to a person in Hyderabad. According to sources, the duo confessed that they had received the cash from mining baron Mr Janardhan Reddy's men in Bellary and they were supposed to deliver the amount to a person at a check post on the outskirts of Hyderabad. Sources said it was a routine practice for Gali Janardhan Reddy's men to shift cash in trucks from Bellary in the guise of shifting iron ore. Insiders in the mining business said the Gali brothers often used tippers to dump cash towards mines located in Andhra Pradesh from Bellary from where they used to circulate the money for various purposes. During the 2009 assembly polls, officials of Election Commission and police department had seized crores of rupees from various vehicles. The money was basically meant for distribution among the voters and used to come from Bellary. It is also said Gali's managers might have stashed cash bundles in several vehicles ever since CBI started conducting searches on his properties and houses of his family members in Bellary, Bangalore and other places.

Azahar Son Ayazuddin Died

Ayazuddin, the son of former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin, died on Friday five days after being critically injured in a road accident. Apollo Hospital in Hyderabad confirmed the news of his death. Ayazuddin, sustained critical injuries after a high-end sports bike he was driving skidded off the road at Puppalguda on Outer Ring Road (ORR) here last Sunday. Ayaz is the youngest of the two sons of Azharuddin from his first wife Naureen. His death comes in as a double blow for Azharuddin's family after his sister's son Ajmal, who was pillion riding with Ayaz, died on the spot. Ayazuddin's pulse and heart beat was malfunctioning when he was brought to the hospital but the efforts of the doctors managed to resuscitate him. He suffered extensive internal injuries including bleeding from lungs and a kidney. His liver, spleen and intestines were also damaged. According to reports the brain also suffocated due to lack of oxygen supply for a long time. Young Ayazuddin was a promising cricketer with the similarities of Azharuddin and his stroke play. The motor cycle which cost Indian Rs. 1.3 million was a Ramadan gift from Azharuddin to his son.    

Azahar Son Condition: Brain Dysfunction Suspected

The condition of Ayazuddin, youngest son of Moradabad MP and former cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin, who is undergoing treatment in Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad since five days is still critical. A medical bulletin issued on Thursday evening says that Ayaz might be suffering from brain dysfunction. In the bulletin, Apollo Hospitals (Central Region) CEO Dr K Hari Prasad said, "Brain function tests conducted on Ayazuddin (in the past few days) indicate brain dysfunction. And his status remains critical." Ayazuddin, sustained critical injuries after a high-end sports bike he was driving skidded off the road at Puppalguda on Outer Ring Road (ORR) in Hyderabad on Sunday last. Ayazuddin's cousin, Ajmal-ur-Rahman (16) who was riding pillion, succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.

Flight Causes Anxious Moments in CM's Tour

Poor weather compelled a Kingfisher Airlines aircraft with chief minister Mr N Kiran Kumar Reddy on board to hover for over 45 minutes before it landed safely at Madhurapudi airport in Rajahmundry, giving some anxious moments to the state administration. The Air Traffic Control at Madhurapudi airport did not give ground clearance to aircraft from Hyderabad to land at the scheduled time 10.30 a.m. as there was "no clear visibility". This forced the ATR aircraft to hover in the skies for about 45 minutes before the ATC finally gave the clearance for landing. The flight finally touched ground at 11.15 a.m. "Yes, there was some anxiety as the flight hovered in the air for a while," Mr Kiran Kumar remarked on checking into the VIP lounge at the airport, official sources said. Later the CM took the aerial route in the state helicopter from Rajahmundry to Poolla in West Godavari district where he was scheduled to launch 'Stree Nidhi', a state-level co-operative credit society for financing women self-help groups. Aimed at preparing the congress party to face the 2014 assembly elections with better strength and curtailing the popularity of the YSR Congress president Mr YS Jaganmohan Reddy, Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy unleashed a slew of welfare measures for women and the downtrodden.                

Kerala Temple: SC Orders Opening of Secret Vault 'B'

The panel set up by the Supreme Court on the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple treasure in Kerala has said in its report said that the temple's secret vault 'B' should be opened and the value of the treasure inside be ascertained. The Supreme Court appointed expert committee has insisted on opening the vault 'B' due to security concerns and to evaluate the treasure. The committee's interim report contradicts the demands of the Travancore royal family. The committee has submitted an interim report to the Supreme Court, which will be decided on Friday by the court. The royal family had earlier insisted the temple treasure belongs to the God and should be left untouched. Temple priests also held a Devaprasnam or invoking-the-Gods ceremony, which the Supreme Court took serious note of.  

Jagan Camp MLAs Loyalty on The Wane

Even as YSR Congress president and Kadapa MP YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is putting a brave face in facing CBI probe in the disproportionate assets case, his loyalist MLAs who resigned from Congress and the state assembly seem to be having second thoughts over effectivity of their resignations. At least three loyalist MLAs - one each from Kadapa, West Godavari and East Godavari districts - are convinced that their resignations would not lead to any constitutional crisis in the state and hence are not ready to press for the acceptance of the resignations with the Speaker. Sources said they have made it clear to their leader that fighting two elections - bypolls and 2014 elections - in a span of three years could be suicidal for them. Several other loyalist MLAs are also reportedly toeing the line, first mooted by the MLA from East Godavari. This MLA, who was chosen by none other than Jagan himself during the 2009 elections against his late father YSR's choice, is slowly distancing himself away from Jagan camp, it is learnt. Though he was one of the 26 MLAs who had quit on August 21, insiders close to the MLA said he was not 'interested' to meet the Speaker to press for the acceptance of his resignation. The worry of Jagan managers is that if the party leadership were to insist on the byelections, more loyalist MLAs could desert Jagan and gravitate towards Congress again. Sources said the MLA from Kadapa reportedly narrated to the Speaker the circumstances under which he had submitted his resignation. Analyst said the Speaker could use this argument to reject the resignations of the MLAs en masse.