Verdict on Reddys’ bail pleas on Dec. 28

A special court posted to Dec. 28 its orders on the bail petitions of former Karnataka minister G. Janardhana Reddy and his brother-in-law BV Srinivasa Reddy in an illegal mining case. The special court dealing with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) cases heard the arguments of both sides on the bail petitions of the accused. This was the fourth time they applied for bail. Judge Naga Murthy Sarma posted to Dec. 28 the orders on the petitions.The lawyers of the accused told the court that the CBI’s apprehension — that if released on bail they would tamper with the evidence — is baseless.Accusing the CBI of making contradictory statements, they said the investigating agency is claiming before court that it is an over Rs50 billion scam while in the charge sheet it put the figure at Rs88.4 billion.CBI counsel said the investigations were at a crucial stage and the bail to the accused could hamper the progress of the case.The court has already rejected thrice the bail petitions of mining baron Janardhana Reddy and Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC) managing director Srinivasa Reddy.