Former minister G. Janardhana Reddy’s wife and second accused in the Associated Mining Company scam, Mrs Lakshmi Aruna, appeared before the CBI special court on Tuesday which enlarged her on bail and adjourned further hearing to July 16. The counsel for Ms Lakshmi stated that since CBI had not arrested her during the investigation nor shown her as absconding in the chargesheet, she should be enlarged on bail.
The CBI special court judge B.M. Angadi, in his order, said the bail was granted as she had cooperated with the investigating agency and considering that she is a woman. The judge directed the accused to furnish a bond for Rs 1 lakh, two sureties and also not to leave the jurisdiction of the court. The CBI has stated in the chargesheet that being partner of AMC, Mrs Lakshmi Aruna, along with her husband Mr Janardhana Reddy and others, entered into a criminal conspiracy to commit theft, criminal breach of trust, cheating, criminal trespass and forgery. The chargesheet was submitted on May 30 and the court took cognizance of offences against Ms Lakshmi and issued summons.
Meanwhile, the court adjourned further hearing to July 16 in the case. The CBI also filed objections to the bail applications of Deputy Conservator of Forest S. Muthaiah and S.P. Raju who was the then Deputy Director of Mines and Geology in Hospet. Sources said the CBI was yet to receive a communication on the sanction of prosecution sought against IAS officer Mr Shivalingamurthy and IFS officer Muthaiah.