Though former mines director Venkata Reddy, who was in ACB custody for three days not cooperated with them in investigation and refuse to specify names who were real beneficiaries of Rs 2600 crore scam, established in sand mining scam during YS Jaganmohan Reddy’s regime, according sources they could get key clues.
After completion of three days custody, though his answers were evasive in nature, the ACB officials came to a conclusion about the involvement of key persons in the previous government. More evidence will be collected and they will also be accused. ACB officials feel that they should also be given notices to few more persons for investigation.
They asked Venkata Reddy, the former director of the mines department, who was arrested in the sand scam case, about 60 questions. They particularly asked about the ultimate beneficiary behind the irregular land mining contracts given to Jaiprakash Power Ventures Limited. Also on several issues in deals made with GCKC and Pratima Infra.
Although Venkata Reddy did not name anyone directly, the ACB officials mentioned the names of some high-ranking people with the evidence they had and questioned Venkata Reddy about their involvement. He answered yes to some and no to others. With regard to other key people, he was reported to be silent when their names were mentioned.
The ACB questioned the origin and mastermind of the entire scam. The ACB tried to bring to justice those who committed sand irregularities in the last five years. Venkata Reddy, however, did not fully cooperate with the investigation for three days.
He only said that he acted according to the orders of the higher level and answered only a few questions asked by ACB and skipped others. After interrogation, he was handed over to Vijayawada jail for judicial remand after his three-day custody ended at 5 pm on Saturday.
The ACB officials took his signatures on the statement documents prepared based on the facts disclosed in this three-day investigation.