CBI raids ex-TDP MLA properties in illegal mining case

[Anta Assamey]

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Thursday conducted raids on the properties of former Telugu Desam Party legislator Yarapathineni Srinivasa Rao from Gurajala in Guntur district in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged illegal mining case.

According to an official release from the CBI, the authorities conducted searches in 25 places including those in Guntur district and Hyderabad belonging to Yarapathineni and others in connection with the case. 

“During searches, several incriminating documents, mobile phones, material objects and cash have been recovered,” the CBI said.

It may be mentioned that following a request from the Andhra Pradesh government, the Centre has entrusted the case to the CBI early this year.

The CBI has taken over  17 cases of illegal limestone mining from CBCID, Andhra Pradesh and registered a case on August 26 this year against 17 accused. 

It was alleged that the accused had fraudulently conducted illegal and unauthorized mining, quarrying and transportation of limestone in Konanki village of Piduguralla Mandal, Kesanupalli and Nadikudi Villages of Dachepalli Mandal, Guntur District for several years.

They allegedly caused revenue loss to the state government and other licensed lease holders, and also exploited the natural resources. 

It was further alleged that illegal mining of several lakh of tones of limestone was conducted by the accused during the period from 2014 to 2018, as a result of which, natural resources worth several crore of rupees have been plundered.

“In order to ascertain the quantum of unauthorized and illegal mining, CBI is also conducting volumetric analysis by using satellite imagery. Investigation is continuing,” the CBI said.