In a landmark verdict delivered by the CBI Special Court in Nampally, justice was finally served in the long-standing Obulapuram illegal mining case that once rocked the Telugu states. After a thorough investigation spanning 14 years, the court found former Karnataka minister and mining baron Gali Janardhan Reddy guilty, along with several others connected to the Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC). This marks the end of a significant legal saga that had far-reaching political and environmental implications across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Gali Janardhan Reddy, along with OMC Managing Director B.V. Srinivas Reddy and other key associates, was convicted and sentenced to seven years of imprisonment. A fine of ₹1 lakh was also imposed on each of the main accused. The court’s decision came after an exhaustive trial process that involved the examination of 219 witnesses and the review of more than 3,400 official documents. One of the accused reportedly died during the course of the lengthy judicial proceedings.
The verdict also brought closure for former Andhra Pradesh Mines Director VD Rajagopal and Gali’s personal secretary Ali Khan, both of whom were also declared guilty for their roles in enabling and covering up the large-scale illegal mining activities. However, in a major relief for BRS senior leader and former minister Sabitha Indra Reddy, the court acquitted her of all charges. Retired IAS officer Kripanandam was also cleared of all allegations. Earlier in the case, IAS officer Y. Srilakshmi had already been exonerated.
The Obulapuram mining scam traces its roots to the early 2000s, when mining licenses were awarded during the tenure of the late YS Rajasekhar Reddy, the then Chief Minister of united Andhra Pradesh. Gali Janardhan Reddy’s Obulapuram Mining Company was one of the beneficiaries. However, soon after YSR's death, serious allegations emerged regarding illegal extension of mining operations beyond the sanctioned areas. Reports also indicated that the company had destroyed a historic temple in the process, which triggered public outrage and legal scrutiny.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) took the case seriously, especially after mounting pressure from opposition leaders, activists, and the general public. The first chargesheet was filed in 2011, leading to a full-scale trial. Over the years, the case gained notoriety as a symbol of corruption and unchecked political influence in the natural resource sector.
Despite numerous legal maneuvers by the accused, the court remained firm in pursuing the case to its logical conclusion. Gali Janardhan Reddy had appealed for leniency on the grounds that his companies provided employment to thousands of workers. However, the court rejected the plea, noting that public funds and natural resources worth nearly ₹884 crore were misused, which severely impacted both the environment and the state economy.
Preparations are now underway to move the convicted individuals to prison, officially concluding one of the most high-profile mining scam cases in South India. While Gali Janardhan Reddy and others will face jail time, the verdict has brought long-awaited closure and relief for those acquitted. For Sabitha Indra Reddy and Kripanandam, the court’s decision marks the end of a prolonged legal and personal ordeal.
This judgment not only reinforces the accountability of public officials and private enterprises but also serves as a stern reminder of the consequences of exploiting natural resources through corrupt practices. With the final verdict delivered, this case sets a precedent for future trials involving illegal mining and misuse of power, echoing the sentiment that no one is above the law.
