Gali Janardhana Reddy, the mining baron-turned-politician, faced a setback as a CBI court issued an order on Tuesday to seize his and his wife Gali Aruna Laxmi’s properties until the pending criminal cases against them are resolved.
The CBI had approached the court with a plea to confiscate 124 properties owned by Gali Janardhana Reddy and his wife. However, the court ruled in favor of seizing only 77 properties under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Criminal Law Amendment Act. This decision highlights the court’s careful consideration of the allegations against the couple and its determination to ensure appropriate legal measures are taken.
Following a reprimand from the Karnataka High Court, the previous BJP government in Karnataka granted permission on January 12 for the confiscation of properties. The CBI had requested authorization to seize assets owned by Janardhana Reddy in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
This development reflects the ongoing legal actions taken by the authorities to address the allegations against Janardhana Reddy and ensure that appropriate measures are taken across different states.
In the absence of permission from the state government, the CBI lodged a petition to proceed with their actions. Notably, Gali Janardhana Reddy had established a new political party ahead of the Assembly elections in Karnataka, scheduled for May 10. This development highlights the ongoing legal and political dynamics surrounding Janardhana Reddy, as investigations continue and political maneuvers unfold in the lead-up to the crucial elections.
Following his victory in the Gangavathy constituency, Gali Janardhana Reddy made a significant impact on the political landscape by pushing the BJP to third place in the Ballary City seat. His newly formed party also disrupted the BJP’s influence in the Hyderabad-Karnataka region. Throughout his campaign, Reddy confidently asserted that he would not be overly concerned about the seizure of his properties or income tax raids.
Moreover, Reddy proudly declared that despite the seizure of properties worth Rs 1,200 crore at the time of his arrest, he successfully emerged victorious in his legal battle at the High Court. He further claimed that his wealth had actually increased from Rs 1,200 crore to an astounding Rs 4,000 crore, demonstrating his financial resilience and continued influence in the face of legal challenges.