Quartz mining case: Andhra police arrest ex-minister Kakani Govardhan Reddy

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh police have arrested former minister and YSRCP leader Kakani Govardhan Reddy in a quartz mining irregularities case.

The case was registered at the Podalakur police station in February. It relates to alleged illegal mining, unauthorized transportation of quartz, and unlawful use of explosives.

Kakani, listed as accused No. 4, had been on the run for the past two months. He was arrested in Kerala on Sunday after evading police inquiries despite being served notices on three occasions. Authorities had visited his residences in Nellore and Hyderabad, but he failed to respond.

The arrest follows a setback in the Supreme Court, which recently rejected Kakani’s plea for anticipatory bail.

The controversy dates back to the previous YSRCP administration, during which Kakani and his associates were accused of illegally transporting quartz worth Rs 250 crore. Even after the mining lease expired, YSRCP leaders allegedly continued operations, occupying the site and using explosives for rock blasting.

The YSRCP has strongly condemned the arrest, denouncing it as a politically motivated move by the TDP-led coalition government.