Former Minister Alleges Explosives Stocked at Nellore Mine Site Despite HC Order

TIRUPATI: Former minister and Telugu Desam (TD) leader Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy has raised an alarm over the alleged discovery of gelatin sticks and detonators at the currently non-operational Rustum Mica Mine at Varadapuram village in Podalakur mandal of Nellore district.

He noted that, earlier this month, the AP high court had ordered a halt to illegal mining operations at the site.

The TD leader has been leading a protest against “illegal” mining of quartz mineral at the mine. He says hundreds of explosive gelatin sticks were found in cardboard boxes near a gas stove. Additional boosters, detonators and wired detonators were also found stuffed in plastic bags in adjacent rooms, he alleged.
“Such stocks can invite charges under terrorism Act. The safety of nearby habitations would be jeopardised,” said Somireddy.

The former minister alleged that local YSRC leaders have been illegally operating the mine for quartz extraction over the past few months. “I contacted the deputy chief controller of explosives, seeking immediate deployment of special teams to probe the storage of explosives and action against the offenders,” he said.

Somireddy pleaded that all ongoing blasting activities be stopped and such vehicles impounded. “I am staging a protest outside the mine for three days, but no action has been taken by the district administration or police, he said.
TD spokesperson Anam Venkataramana Reddy questioned the silence of the Nellore SP and collector on the issue and urged them to intervene.