CBI wants to probe Gali cash-for-bail

The CBI has requested the Andhra Pradesh government to transfer the cash-for-bail scam case, involving suspended special judge Pattabhi Rama Rao and mining baron Gali Janardhan Reddy, to the probe agency.

The case is being investigated by the AntiCorruption Bureau, which has arrested several persons including Rama Rao.

“Since the CBI is probing the Obulapuram Mining Company case involving Janardhan Reddy, this case should also be investigated by the central agency,” sources said.

“A letter seeking transfer of the case has been sent to the state government. Immediately after transferring the case from the ACB to the CBI, the central agency will start its probe after completing formalities,” sources said.

Rama Rao allegedly accepted a bribe to grant bail to Janardhan Reddy in the illegal mining case that is being probed by the CBI. He was suspended by the Andhra Pradesh Chief Justice and subsequently arrested.

Regarding the transfer of the cash-for-bail scam to the CBI, sources said that after transferring the case to the agency, its first step would be to seek the custody of suspended special judge Pattabhi Rama Rao. Besides, the CBI will also seek the custody of arrested retired district judge T.V. Chalapathi Rao from the competent court.

On June 16, the ACB arrested Chalapathi Rao and his son Anil Kumar in connection with the cash-for-bail scam.

The agency will also seek transfer of all relevant documents related to the case from the ACB. “ACB officials have recovered incriminating documents from the possession of some arrested persons. The CBI will seek transfer of these for further scrutiny,” sources said.