TIRUPATI: In a significant development in the illegal quartz mining case, the Podalakur police have issued notices to former YSRCP minister, Kakani Govardhan Reddy, requiring him to appear for questioning. This action comes in light of ongoing investigations into various irregularities linked to quartz mining operations.
Following unsuccessful attempts to reach the former minister, Podalakur Sub-Inspector Haneef resorted to affixing the notices on the outer walls of Govardhan Reddy’s residence in Nellore. The police mentioned that both his and his personal assistant’s phones were switched off, making communication impossible.
According to police officials, the notice was part of an inquiry into serious allegations involving the use and transportation of heavy explosives for illegal mining activities. Kakani is specifically required to appear for questioning at the Nellore rural DSP office on Monday at 11 AM.
The investigation is centered around illegal mining operations at the Rustum mines in Podalakur mandal, where Kakani has recently been named in the FIR. Prior to this, three individuals—Pernati Shyam Prasad Reddy, Vakati Shivareddy, and Vakati Srinivasulu Reddy—were implicated in the case and had sought anticipatory bail from the High Court prior to their arrests.
The probe has since widened, identifying an additional seven suspects, including Kakani Govardhan Reddy. Notably, two of the accused, designated as A6 and A8, have already been arrested and placed in judicial custody for 14 days following a court ruling in Gudur.
This case sheds light on allegations of rampant illegal quartz mining in the Nellore district during the tenure of the YSRCP government, prompting Sarvepalli MLA Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy to accuse the previous administration of permitting extensive mining irregularities in the area.
Key Highlights
- The Podalakur police have summoned former YSRCP minister Kakani Govardhan Reddy for questioning regarding illegal quartz mining activities.
- The investigation surrounding the Rustum mines has expanded to include multiple accused, revealing the extent of the alleged mining irregularities.
- Accusations have surfaced highlighting that the YSRCP government may have facilitated widespread illegal mining activities in the Nellore region.
