Government orders Suspension of Work at Six Mines
The Central Empowered Committee of the Supreme Court has prompted the State Government to act heavily on the Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC) owned by Karnataka Tourism Minister Gali Janardhan Reddy. The State, meanwhile, ordered suspension of mining operations at six mines located in the Anantapur district. The development started with a letter written by CEC member M. K. Jiwrajka to the State's Chief Secretary P. Ramakanth Reddy on Monday in which he had recommended the halt of mining operations at the six mines. The Supreme Court also termed the mining operations illegal in response to the CEC letter. The CEC letter claims, "The objectivity, fairness and impartiality which are expected from a State government are shockingly lacking here and does not inspire confidence." Karnataka Minister Gali Janardhan Reddy and his family own OMC as well as Anantapur Mining Company, currently under political storm in the state by opposition parties, particularly the Telugu Desam over encroachment charges in the neighboring mines. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister held a meeting with Minister for Mines B. Srinivasa Reddy, Forest Minister P. Ramachandra Reddy and Advocate General D. V. Sitarama Murthy and some high level state offices to chalk next course of action.