Jethmalani asks Karnataka Government to hand over mining cases to CBI

PROSECUTOR OR PROSPECTOR?: Former Union Minister and eminent lawyer Ram Jethmalani, at a book release function in New Delhi. Jethmalani has asked that the probe of alleged encroachment of mines on the Karnataka-Andhra Pradesh border be handed over to the CBI. File photo

Noted jurist Ram Jethamalani today asked the Karnataka government to hand to order a CBI probe into alleged illegal encroachment of mines on the Karnakata-Andhra Pradesh border by state ministers Janardhan Reddy and Karunakara Reddy.

Jethamalani, who was here to argue a case, told reporters that Andhra Pradesh government had already referred alleged illegal mining activity by Obalapuram Mining Company, owned by the Reddy brothers, to CBI.

Karnataka government should also refer it to CBI, he said.

There were some anxious moments at the Hubli airport when the aircraft carrying Jethamalani was not allowed to land as dried grass caught fire on either side of the runway.

The fire was extinguished and the aircraft was allowed to land.

The aeroplane flew over the airport for 20 minutes before landing, airport sources said.

To a question on nationalisation of mines, Jethamalani said “I have no belief in nationalisation of mines and other sectors in the country.”

“There is no meaning in it at all,” he added.

“He said government and police ought and should take a strong step to give security to the general public in the country.”