In a long-awaited verdict, the special court for CBI cases in Nampally has delivered its final ruling in the high-profile Obulapuram Mining case. Former Karnataka minister Gali Janardhan Reddy, once a powerful mining tycoon, has been sentenced to seven years in jail, while his wife Gali Lakshmi Aruna Laxmi (also known as Gali Sabita) has been acquitted of all charges.
The case, which has been ongoing for over 15 years, centers around allegations of illegal mining and irregularities in the operations of the Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC), which was owned by Gali Janardhan Reddy. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had accused Reddy and his associates of illegally expanding the mining lease boundaries, encroaching upon neighboring areas, and causing massive environmental damage.
According to the court’s verdict, Gali Janardhan Reddy has been found guilty on charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating, and corruption. The former minister, who was once a close aide of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership in Karnataka, has been sentenced to seven years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 25 crore.
In a surprising turn of events, Gali Lakshmi Aruna Laxmi, Reddy’s wife, has been acquitted of all charges. The court found insufficient evidence to link her directly to the illegal mining activities carried out by OMC. This decision has been met with relief from Sabita’s supporters, who have long maintained her innocence in the matter.
The Obulapuram Mining case has been one of the most high-profile and complex corruption scandals in recent Indian history. It has not only exposed the deep-rooted nexus between powerful political figures and the mining industry but has also highlighted the challenges faced by the country’s law enforcement agencies in tackling large-scale environmental crimes.
The verdict in this case is seen as a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining and hold those responsible accountable. The CBI, which spearheaded the investigation, has expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, stating that it reflects the agency’s commitment to pursuing justice regardless of the status or influence of the accused.
As the dust settles on this long-drawn-out legal battle, the Obulapuram Mining case will undoubtedly continue to be a subject of intense scrutiny and debate, serving as a powerful reminder of the need for stronger regulations, greater transparency, and more effective enforcement measures in the mining sector.
