Ktaka illegal mining: CBI arrests MLA Suresh Babu

The arrest of Babu,who first became an MLA at 25 in 2008,is the latest in a series.

It follows a recent Supreme Court SC order that the Central Bureau of Investigation CBI does not need state sanction to prosecute those arrested in illegal mining cases.

The CBI recently arrested Bellary businessman ILC Somashekhar whose Integrated Logistics Company allegedly exported 7.5 lakh tonnes of illegal ore from Bellikeri Port.

He allegedly told the agency the iron ore was part of some 25 lakh tonnes Babu and Reddy were allegedly holding.

The CBI investigation has revealed part of the proceeds from sale of the ore by Somashekhar went to accounts linked to Babu and Reddy.

Babu has been accused of sending stolen iron ore for export through Somashekhar at the instance of Reddy.

The illegal trade was uncovered by the Karnataka Lokayukta in March 2010 when it found that nearly 8 lakh tonnes of iron ore was transported from Bellary to Bellikeri Port near Karwar without valid mining or transport permits.

The official CBI version is the case pertains to alleged illegal excavation of iron ore to the tune of 50 lakh metric tonnes worth Rs 2,500 crore approx and its subsequent export from Bellikeri Port in Karnataka.