S.R. Hiremath of Samaj Parivartan Samudaya, and petitioner in the Supreme Court against illegal mining in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, said that he would be filing a criminal case against the former Director of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Ranjit Sinha.
He is seeking an inquiry into Mr. Sinha’s alleged role in turning down the plea of his subordinates to appeal against the bail granted to Janardhan Reddy involved in the illegal mining activities.
Responding to questions by presspersons here on Friday, Mr. Hiremath said that he would also include Mr. Sinha in the case, for allegedly misusing his position to appoint the counsel of Mr. Reddy as the special counsel of CBI.
‘Vacate stay’
He also expressed concern over the CBI not making any attempts to get the stay vacated and investigate the illegal mining in three more mining leases held by Obulapuram Mining Company in Anantapur district. Reacting to the bail granted to Mr. Reddy by the Supreme Court, Mr. Hiremath, while stating that it was part of the legal system, demanded that a special court should be set up and day-to-day hearings should be held for illegal mining involving Janardhan Reddy and others.
“There should not be any delay in commencement of the trial against Reddy and others for their involvement in illegal mining activities besides ensuring that no attempts would be made by the accused to intimidate witnesses,” he said.
Mr. Hiremath also hoped that the Supreme Court would consider the plea to vacate the stay granted against investigating the case against Minister for Energy D.K. Shivakumar.
‘Probe Ranjit Sinha for appointing
Mr. Reddy’s counsel as the CBI’s
special council’
