Kakani Arrested in the Vicinity of Bengaluru After Evading Police Notices
Former minister and YSRCP leader Kakani Govardhan Reddy has been taken into custody by the police after remaining on the run for 55 days. Police found him on Sunday evening at a resort in Bengaluru. He was arrested and brought to Nellore, where he would be produced in court on Monday. Kakani had neglected several police notices regarding a criminal case and had gone into hiding after finding himself listed as a suspect.
Accused in Illegal Quartz Mining Case
Kakani is the fourth accused in a case filed at Podalakur police station, Sri Potti Sriramulu Nellore district. Offences are illegal quartz mining, unlawful use of explosives, illegal movement, and intimidating tribal residents. The police accuse Kakani of having abetted and facilitated these activities.
Mining Activity Linked to Political Patronage
A Chennai-based individual, Vidyakiran, had official mining rights over 32 acres under Rustom Mine. After the lease expired and demand for quartz grew in 2019, illegal mining allegedly increased. Police state that Kakani, then a minister, supported illegal quartz extraction. The mining occurred near his hometown, Toderu, with no action from authorities due to his influence.
Local Tribals Threatened Over Complaints
Resident tribal complainants protested against the use of explosives in the region, which was against regulations. These complainants were however purportedly threatened and gagged by followers of Kakani. These people were intimidated and pressured, causing them not to halt the illegal operations.
Political Interference and Protests
TDP leader Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy, currently MLA Sarvepalli, opposed the mining. He went on a fast in protest. YSRCP leaders are said to have agitated groups to disrupt his fast during this time. Somireddy filed several complaints with state and central government authorities. Government departments finally visited the spot and seized 61,313 tons of illegal quartz mining. Fines amounting to ₹7.56 crore were imposed by authorities, but the parties concerned failed to respond.
Kakani Named During Investigation
Following a complaint by Mines Department official DD Balaji Nayak, a case was registered on February 16. The leaders of YSRCP, Pernati Shyam Prasad Reddy, Vakati Shiva Reddy, and Vakati Srinivasula Reddy, were the first suspects. Kakani was subsequently added as the fourth accused later. Six more were added as the probe went on.
Evaded Arrest By Frequent Move
On 30th March, the police tried to issue a notice to Kakani, but he was absent from home. They even pasted notices on his home, but he did not show up the following day. Subsequently, the police tried to locate him in Hyderabad and other places but could not trace him. He continued to shift often between Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Hyderabad, utilising farmhouses and resorts to escape detection.
Arrest Followed Bail Rejection
When his anticipatory bail was turned down by the Supreme Court, Kakani further hid himself. He was finally located at a village near Bengaluru and arrested. Police apprehended him peacefully.
Political Response After Arrest
Kakani was a former Agriculture Minister of the YSRCP government. After the formation of the new coalition government, many allegations were made against him. Investigations were initiated, and Kakani issued threats to political rivals. He said he would take revenge if YSRCP came back into power.
Court Appearance Shifted to Venkatagiri
Kakani is likely to be produced in Venkatagiri court, Tirupati district. The case was initially fixed for Gudur court, but since the judge was not present, Judge Vishnu Varma at Venkatagiri is dealing with it on a temporary basis.
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