Govt hails HC directive for CBI probe on Emaar scam

Hyderabad, July 11: The High Court’s ordering a CBI enquiry into the allotment of lands to EMAAR properties has been hailed by the state government.

The alleged illegal deal and occupation of government land, had created a sensation with allegations mounting that the allotments had been made out of turn.

On the strength of Textiles Minister P Shankar Rao’s appeal earlier, the High Court had accepted his letter as a Suo Motu Case and ordered for CBI enquiry, Health Minister DL Ravindra Reddy told media persons at the state Secretariat on Monday, when asked to react over the controversial issue.

It may be recalled here that the YSR regime had allotted 535 acres to the Emaar Properties in Gachibowli, Nanakaramguda.

The Court could not only direct the CBI over any issue such as this but guide the Central agency in respect of any enquiry, the Minister said. “There is need for such a probe,” Dr Ravindra Reddy stated.

The Emaar Properties, which created a sensation over the illegal deal with the APIIC during the YSR’s rule is understood to have opposed the Court accepting the petition against it.

“It is a welcome step by the High Court,” the Minister said and spoke in terms of appreciation of the Textiles Minister for his ‘letter’ to the Court in 2010.

Asked about the alleged current ‘unstable’ condition of the state in the backdrop of the separate Telangana statehood agitation intensifying, the Minister clarified that a solution will emerge soon and there was no need for any worry.

He also agreed that it was not good and not in the interest of all concerned. “The uncertainty will go anytime now,” Dr Ravindra Reddy replied.

He also made light of the promises made by YSR Congress Party president YS Jaganmohan Reddy at the recently concluded plenary of that party.(

–Agencies