Notices to two in Jagan DA case

The order was passed in response to CBI's plea that no sanction was needed to prosecute them.

Roads and Buildings Minister Dharmana Prasada Rao and former Minister Mopidevi Venkata Ramana Rao, who was holding the Excise portfolio when he was arrested in May this year, are among the 14 chage-sheeted accused in this case.

Venkata Ramana Rao is presently under judicial custody.

CBI has contended that sanction for prosecution against both the accused was not necessary and court may take cognisance of cases against them under Prevention of Corruption Act.

Dharmana was the Revenue Minister in the YS Rajsekhara Reddy's tenure in 2004-2009, when the 'Vanpic Project' was conceived.

Mopidevi was then Infrastructure Minister.

The CBI said as the two accused no more held the same portfolios, sanction for prosecution was not required.

After ordering issuance of notices against Dharmana and Mopidevi, court today posted the matter to December 31.

Andhra Pradesh government, on November 23, had rejected the CBI's plea for prosecution of Dharmana.

According to CBI, promoter of Vanpic Project Nimmagadda Prasad invested Rs 854 crore in the companies belonging to Jagan.

In return, he was awarded several government projects.