The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) here on Tuesday examined Minister Mopidevi Venkata Ramana for over four hours, in its endeavour to find out more details about over a dozen government orders issued in 2008 pertaining to various concessions extended to VANPIC group of companies.
It was during Mr. Venkata Ramana's tenure as Minister for Investments in YSR's Cabinet, that several investments were facilitated into Kadapa MP Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy's companies, allegedly in return for concessions to Vodarevu and Nizampatnam Port and Industrial Corridor (VANPIC) Project in the form of land allocation.
Jagan case
The Minister's examination, though as a witness, assumes significance as the CBI has to file its charge-sheet in the court against Mr. Jagan in the disproportionate assets case before April 2, according to the law.
It set off speculation about the CBI's next move against the MP.
Two senior IAS officers -- former Principal Secretary, Infrastructure and Investment, Manmohan Singh and Special Secretary Brahmananda Reddy were also questioned for over two hours at the Dilkusha Guest House, temporary office of CBI's special investigation team.
Dr. Manmohan Singh was present along with Mr. Venkata Ramana, between 2.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. and after he left, it took the Minister two more hours to finally leave the Guest House.
VANPIC project envisages developing the two ports, an airport near Ongole, six industrial parks and two power plants, for which an estimated 15,000 acres was required. While about 5,404 acres was allocated in Guntur, 6,406 acres was given away for the project in Prakasam district for the purpose. Over a dozen GOs were issued for the purpose, waiving stamp duty and registration fee, extending subsidies like those offered to Special Economic Zones and draft declaration for land acquisition.
As he was leaving the guest house, the Minister told waiting presspersons that he was called in as a witness to testify on the procedures followed in issuing the GOs. Asked if he was likely to be called again for examining, Mr. Venkata Ramana said that, as a law-abiding citizen and responsible Minister, he would cooperate with the investigation whenever he was asked for details.
