Former Karnataka-minister and mining baron Janardhan Reddy arrested in bribery-case
Janardhan Reddy, the mining baron from Bellari, was arrested in Bengaluru on Sunday in connection to an alleged bribery case. Reddy, who is a former minister of BJP, appeared for questioning after he had gone 'missing' for three days. His investigation lasted for hours and was arrested later. The Crime Branch had earlier conducted raids at Reddy's residence.
Earlier, Reddy claimed he was not on the run
After reports emerged that Reddy was missing, his critics said he was running away from the investigation. However, he released a video rubbishing claims and said he would appear before Crime Branch. "I decided to make this video to let people know the truth. I have faith in the police and believe that they would not succumb to any political pressure," he said.
Reddy allegedly took bribe as a minister
Reddy, a minister in former CM BS Yeddyurappa's cabinet, was accused in a bribery case. The owner of Ambident group, Syed Ahmed Fareed, alleged that when Reddy was a minister he asked for a bribe of Rs. 18 crore to give him a clean chit in a corruption case. The company was accused of cheating hundreds of investors of Rs. 600 crore. Fareed claimed he paid money to Reddy's close aide.
Fareed claims money was turned to gold
Further, Fareed claimed his firm paid Rs. 18 crore to one Ramesh Kothari. The money was converted to 57 kg gold, which was given to Reddy's accomplice Ali Khan, Fareed said in an investigation. Notably, G Somashekara Reddy and G Karunakara Reddy, two influential Reddy brothers, were given tickets by BJP in the Karnataka Assembly Elections a few months ago.
Meanwhile, Kumaraswamy denied allegations of political ploy
While Reddy claims his case is driven by politics, Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy has denied this. "This matter is related to the police. There is a complaint that he has been cheating people. Based on that complaint, the investigation is on. I will not involve myself in that for any reason. I have given them a free hand," he had said.
