CBI arrests MLA in illegal mining case

Was arrested in connection with illegal export of iron ore from Belekeri port in Karnataka

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials today arrested Suresh Babu, a member of legislative assembly from Kampli in Hospet taluk of Bellary district in connection with his involvement in illegal mining, transportation and export of iron ore from Belekeri port in Karnataka.

The arrest was made following the direction of the Supreme Court, which is hearing the illegal export of iron ore case.

Confirming the development, a CBI spokesperson said, he was arrested in Bellary and brought to Bangalore for further investigation. The CBI team of officials led by superintendent of police Subramanyeshwara Rao under sections 120 B, 420, 379, 447 of IPC and various other sections of Prevention of Corruption Act.

Suresh Babu is an MLA from Badavara Shramikara Raithara (BSR) party and is said to be a close associate of former minister G Janardhana Reddy, who is now lodged in Chanchalguda Central Jail in Hyderabad since September 5, 2011. He is also the nephew of B Sriramulu, former minister and founder of BSR Congress party.

Former Lokayukta of Karnataka Justice (Retd) Santosh Hegde had exposed the illegal export of iron ore from the Belekeri port in his final report on illegal mining in Karnataka.

According to the report, 986,000 tonnes of iron ore was exported by ILC Industries Ltd between January 1, 2009, and May 31, 2010, from the Belekeri port.

Of this, a substantial portion of iron ore was mined illegally in the forest areas of Bellary and transported without a valid permit and without paying the forest development tax and the fees to the forest, and mines and geology departments. “According to other accused persons, Suresh Babu had negotiated with G Janardhana Reddy and other accused persons for purchase of iron ore and dispute regarding quality of iron ore supplied as well as to know the modus operandi for illegal excavation and transportation of iron ore and to know the proceeds of the deal, the Anti Corruption Bureau of CBI, Bangalore arrested him in Bellary at 5 pm today,” a CBI spokesperson said.

Suresh Babu will be produced before the city civil judge of CBI Special Court in Bangalore tomorrow.

Besides involving himself in transportation and export of iron ore illegally from Belekeri port, Suresh Babu played a key role in collecting money from various sources in Karnataka and handing over to a former judge of Andhra Pradesh High Court as bribe for getting bail for G Janardhana Reddy.

The CBI had filed a charge sheet in this case and arrested him for cash for bail scam on July 31, 2012 and was released on bail later.