Andhra Pradesh high court dismisses ex-minister Kakani’s pleas in illegal mining case

Vijayawada: The high court on Wednesday dismissed the interlocutory application filed by former minister Kakani Govardhan Reddy, along with the petition for quashing the case against him over illegal mining. The court declined to grant an interim stay on all further proceedings, including arrest, and directed the police to file a counter affidavit within two weeks.Govardhan Reddy moved the high court after he was named as one of the accused in the case registered by Podalakuru police in Nellore dist over charges of illegal quartz mining by occupying govt lands and unauthorised storage of explosives. He also filed a petition seeking anticipatory bail. The case was registered following a complaint lodged by the deputy director of mining in Nellore dist.While the YSRCP leader argued that the case was registered for political reasons and there was no evidence to suggest his involvement in the alleged offence, the prosecution argued that police has obtained prima facie evidence to suggest his involvement. The court was also told that Govardhan Reddy was not cooperating with the investigation and refusing to accept the notices.Justice T Mallikharjuna Rao, who earlier reserved his orders, dismissed the interlocutory application, filed along with the quash petition, seeking a stay on all further proceedings in the case, and posted hearing in the main quash petition after two weeks.