The Andhra Pradesh high court on Wednesday ordered the CBI to investigate into the controversial land deal involving Emaar Properties. It also found fault with the state government and the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure
Corporation for their failure to protect public property and the public exchequer from huge losses. Disposing of a petition filed by the textile minister, Dr Shankar Rao, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Nisar Ahmad Kakru and Justice Vilas Afzulpurkar allowed the CBI to extend its investigations to all those involved in the land deal even if they were not public servants.
The CBI has been directed to register a criminal case and investigate into the alleged misappropriation of public property in connection to the integrated project at Manikonda.
The government had allotted 258 acres at Manikonda to develop an integrated township and golf course. The matter had turned controversial after Emaar allegedly reducing the share percentage of APIIC in the project.
The bench appreciated the report of the vigilance and enforcement department in this regard.