HC dismisses Kripanandam petition to quash limestone quarry case

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court dismissed the quash petition filed by B. Kripanandam, former secretary, industries and commerce, of undivided AP who was listed as Accused No.7 in the case registered by the CBI in relatation to the grant of limestone quarry to Raghuram Cements Ltd that is now called Bharathi Cements Ltd.

The CBI has alleged that at the instance of then Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy, Kripanandam without proper consideration rejected the renewal application of Gujarat Ambuja Cements Limited for limestone quarry at T. Sunkesula village and ensured that it was granted to Raghuram Cements.

Kripanandam said he had retired in 2006 and the CBI had filed a chargesheet in 2013, and sought deletion of his name. He said he ahd all his actions were under the Mines and Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 as well as under the Mineral Concession Rules, 1960.

He said the five-year maximum period of licence of Gujarat Ambuja Cements had expired, and it had become ineligible. Being the statutory authority, he had passed the order on thorough consideration and after obtaining approval from the then minister.