The Central Bureau of Investigation, which has stepped up the pace of investigation into the alleged ill-gotten assets of YSR Congress chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, is preparing to question some ministers of erstwhile YSR regime, who were responsible for the issue of 26 controversial GOs that had helped Jagan amass wealth illegally.
According to informed sources, the CBI will shortly issue notices for questioning two more ministers. It is learnt that the agency might shortly issue notice to Dr J Geeta Reddy, who was Major Industries Minister during YSR rule. The agency has already issued notice to Ponnala Lakshmaiah, who had worked as major irrigation minister then.
Confirming that he has received notice, Ponnala maintained that every decision he had taken as minister for major irrigation was in conformity with the law and denied irregularities. He also said that he would cooperate with the CBI and would provide them information to the best of his knowledge. It is being said that Ponnala would be questioned about some of the Jala Yagnam works and also allocation of 10 lakh gallons of Krishna river water to India Cements.
Responding to the development, Ponnala told the media in Warangal on Saturday that he had already given his explanation to the Supreme Court in writing on the notice served on him. It is learnt that the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate are likely to question Geeta Reddy in connection with the sanction of land and other facilities to Brahmini Steels of Karnataka former minister Gali Janardana Reddy in Kadapa.
CBI is also preparing to question the eight IAS officers, who were served notices by the Supreme Court, in connection with the issue of 26 controversial GOs. Of the six ministers, who were served notices by the Supreme Court, CBI has already questioned Mopidevi Venkataramana Rao once. The agency has summoned him for further questioning on May 21. CBI questioned Home Minister Sabita Indra Reddy on Friday. Following this, Sabita met Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy on Saturday and explained him about the position. (NSS)