The YSR Congress party government in Andhra Pradesh headed by chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy is likely to order an investigation by Central Bureau of Investigation into the alleged illegal mining of limestone and quartz by senior Telugu Desam Party leader and former Gurajala MLA Yarapathineni Srinivasa Rao in Palnad region of Guntur district.
The Crime Bureau of Crime Investigation Department (CB-CID), which has been investigating into the case following a direction from the state high court, submitted its report to the court on Monday, along with the accounts of the witnesses and bank transaction reports.
The court observed that it was for the state government to decide whether to hand over the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation.
If the state government gives its consent for the CBI probe, the court will pass the orders accordingly on Wednesday.
The court also observed that in the wake of enormity of the activity of illegal mining, which is now confirmed in the investigation, the state could also rope in Enforcement Directorate.
“We will leave the decision to the government and pass the orders reserving the powers to the state government,” the court said.
The CID has found that Yarapathineni has been indulging in illegal mining activity for the last 18 years.
The CID and Mining department authorities questioned limestone millers, and retired and working officers who had worked in the mining department in Piduguralla and Dachepally mandals.
YSRC leaders argue that the mining scam was worth Rs 500 crores. The officials of the Mines and Geology department are evaluating the loss caused to the government.
The authorities found mosaic chips/limestone during excavation in the pits which indicated the proof of the illegal activity.