Srinivas Reddy uses ‘Ghajini-like’ memory

The CBI officials referred to Mr Srinivas Reddy, brother-in-law of mining baron Gali Janardhan Reddy on Monday as 'Ghajini' (after a character in the movie of the same name) as his repeated reply to many questions was: “I don't remember.”

Earlier, Mr Janardhan Reddy told the CBI court that his arrest was illegal but was reminded by the judge that it was for the court to decide on the legalities of his arrest.

CBI joint director V.V. Lakshmi Narayana submitted to the court to extend the custody of the accused by nine days. In its custody petition the CBI pointed out that iron ore was exported abroad in the name of benami companies which had heavily invested in Brahmani Steels owned by Mr Janardhan Reddy and the Bureau needed to get more details of the firms.

The CBI stated that the accused had not opened up during the six-day custody period. However, after obtaining their custody many others had come forward with information against the accused including video records, and many more would do the same if the custody period was extended.

The CBI also maintained that it needed to unravel the role of public servants who had been responsible for awarding the mining lease and permits to OMC.

“About Rs 5 crore meant for B.V. Srinivas Reddy was seized recently at Guntakal. About 10 kg gold and Rs 2 lakh cash were recovered from the lockers and accounts of Mr Janardhan Reddy's wife Lakshmi Aruna, Mr Srinivas Reddy and others.