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CBI Raids BS Yeddyurappa Houses For Illegal Mining

In a sudden development, CBI sleuths raided former Karnataka chief minister B S Yeddyurappa's residence in Dollar's colony, an upmarket area in Bangalore, in connection with his involvement in illegal mining and business transactions. The raids started at 6.15 AM on Wednesday and are likely to continue throughout the day. Simultaneous raids are also being conducted at five other places including residednces of both his sons BY Raghavendra, BY Vijayendra and his son-in-law R Sohan Kumar. Raids were also conducted on South West Mining Company's offices in Tornagal in Bellary district. The company had made payments of Rs 20 crore to Yeddyurappa's family run concerns in lieu of sanction of mining licences. CBI filed FIR against Yeddyurappa, his sons Raghavendra, Vijayendra, son-in-law Sohan Kumar and JIndal company. A nine-member team headed by Hyderabad based Deputy Director of CBI VV Lakshminarayana commenced the raids at Yeddyurappa's residences in Dollars Colony and Race Course Road besides a firm owned by one of his sons, the sources said. The raids come in the wake of the CBI registering a case against Yeddyurappa and others in line with the May 11 Supreme Court directive ordering a probe by the central agency into alleged undue favours shown by him to firms involved in illegal mining in lieu of donations to a charitable trust run by his kin when he was the chief minister.      

A Raja Gets Bail in 2G Spectrum Case

A Delhi court on Tuesday granted bail to former telecom minister A Raja in the 2G spectrum scam. The court has asked A Raja to submit Rs 25 lakh as surety. Raja has also been directed not to visit Tamil Nadu without the court's prior permission. A Raja had been in jail for the past 15 months and this was the first time that he had applied for bail.     "The case is all sewn up and there is very little Raja can do to influence the case. I said he should get bail according to Supreme Court guidelines. I only fear for his life," said Subramanian Swamy, Janata Party President and a petitioner in the 2G case. Raja's supporters were celebrating outside the court after the bail order was pronounced. Reports suggest that Raja will walk out of the jail at 7 pm on Tuesday.  

Jr NTR Speaks on Vamsi, Jagan Issue

Jr NTR gave a lengthy explanation about the rumors that he’s aligning with YSR Congress president Jagan Mohan Reddy as NTR's close aid and producer Vallabhaneni Vamsi met Jagan Mohan Reddy at a political meeting in Vijayawada recently.     Reacting to the rumors that he's miffed with the party and he is behind the political moves of Vallabhaneni Vamsi, NTR said: "Vamsi is producer of my film Adhurs . Don't attach my name to his movements. I have nothing to do with them. My family members and I are not working against for the party, nor are we going to change our stance." “I am loyal to Telugu Desam Party, a party that was founded by my grandfather. And will always remain loyal to the party and serve it, whenever my services are needed. During 2009 elections, I canvassed for the party and my commitment for the party remains still the same,” he made it clear.

TDP MLA Denies Link With Tara

A section of media earlier reported that a TDP legislator for Palamur is actively involved with sex racket queen Tara Chowdary. Today, they went on promoting that it is MLA Revanth Reddy. Now, check the version of this dynamic legislator.   'A media house from T-area is busy slinging mud against me by dragging unnecessarily into this Tara Chowdary scandal', Revanth felt. He asked those journos and media houses to publish reports directly, if at all they have any evidence supporting their implications. Revanth stressed that his opponents who are unable to face him politically are using some journos to pin him in unwanted scandals. He challenged his rivals that they should come up with evidence to accuse him, else they should keep their mouths shut. Analysts are saying that some TDP insiders are also having their hand in supressing Revanth, as his popularity is growing fast in the party.

Government Bans Ads To Sakshi Group

The state government has decided to stop all its advertisements to the Sakshi newspaper and Sakshi TV owned by the YSR Congress chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy in view of the serious allegations he has been facing of money laundering.   The government issued a GO to this effect and directed all governament departments to stop all patronage to the Sakshi group until it clears itself from the charges.   The Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy has reportedly discussed the matter with the Advocate General Sudarshan Reddy and Information and Public relations Commissioner Chandravadan a couple of days ago. It is learnt that the Chief Minister has sought the opinion of the two on the propriety of continuing government’s patronage as CBI has filed charge-sheets about flow of illegal funds into the newspaper and TV channel. It is learnt that the three have decided that it would be perfectly legal to stop advertisements, pending finalization of the case. It is being said that Kiran Kumar Reddy is of the view that if the government strikes at the economic base of Jagan’s media before by-polls, it would be advantageous to the Congress party. Several leaders of the Congress party hold a view that Jagan’s popularity largely depended on his media and by forcing a near closure of Sakshi newspaper and TV channel, his influence could be considerably contained. But there are others in the ruling party who hold a different view. They feel that all these acts of persecution would only strengthen Jagan further.

CBI's Action of Freezing Accounts Undemocratic: Jagan

YSR Congress chief Jaganmohan Reddy has hit out at the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), saying that it has been hounding him with no proof. Calling the freezing of the Sakshi TV accounts undemocratic, Jagan said, "After nine months of probe, the CBI has got nothing."   "I'm not fighting the Congress, it's the Congress that is hitting me all out. The Congress has formed a cartel along with Chandrababu Naidu and other media houses," he added. This came just hours before a Hyderabad court hears Sakshi TV's appeal against the freezing of its accounts. Jaganmohan Reddy's three companies, including Sakshi TV, on Wednesday had moved court seeking defreezing of their accounts to carry out day-to-day business even as the agency's move drew flak from scribes. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy said neither the Congress nor the state government have any connection with the CBI inquiry against Jaganmohan.

CBI Seizes Bank Accounts of Jagan Firms

Touted as one of the biggest economic offence of the country, Jagan's Illegal Assets case took a new turn with CBI freezing the assets of the media houses of Jagan. Bank accounts of Sakshi TV and Paper are seized by the investigation agency.   According to law, accounts holding money earned through illegal means can be seized in a view to avoid utilizing the liquid further. Bank accounts of Jagathi Publications (Sakshi Paper) and Indira Television (Sakshi TV) are sub-zeroed by the investigation agency under CRPC section 102. With Jagan summoned to attend court on 28th May, CBI is making quick moves legally to tighten the noose around this tainted politician. Investigating agency has concentrated on Jagan's media houses mainly because most of the investments that are made through quid pro quo are invested here. However, there are chances for Jagan's companies to get a stay on this case easily in the name of thousands of employees that are dependent on this company. While Sakshi insiders are crying hue that this is an iron hand on the freedom of press, law experts expressed that there is no wrong in the 'freeze' as the case is heading towards climax. One can expect some major developments in this case after the 'freeze' as CBI is close to a big thing that remained distant dream for them, we mean, Jagan's arrest!

Satyam Raju Utilized Bhanu Services For Bail

The prime accused in Maddelacheruvu Suri murder case, Bhanu Kiran alias Bhanu, confessed to the CID that Satyam Computers chief Satyam Raju has utilized his services in getting bail. According to confession report, Bhanu admitted to have collected Rs. 7 crores from Satyam Computers founder Ramalinga Raju’s son Teja Raju as a part of a deal for Rs. 20 cr., for securing bail to him. Bhanu told that, he has come in contact with Teja Raju in October 2010 and promised to secure bail to Ramalinga Raju who was then in jail, through his boss Maddelacheruvu Suri, for a payment of Rs. 20 cr. Teja Raju has agreed to the deal and paid an advance of Rs. 7 crore. Later when the Supreme Court denied bail to Satyam Raju, Teja Raju mounted preasure on Bhanu to return back Rs. 7 crore, which was advanced to him for securing bail. Bhanu reportedly told the CID that he had returned Rs. 2 crore only and pocketed Rs. 5 crores of the advance. Sources say that CID police may interrogate Teja Raju shortly to check facts about what Bhanu has told them.      

Bhanu Aide Vishnuvardhan Reddy Arrested

The CID officers have arrested, a close aide of Maddelacheruvu Suri murder accused Bhanu Kiran, Vishnuvardhan Reddy in Madhapur late on Thursday and recovered two .32 revolvers from him. CID sleuths raided Alekhya Apartments at  Madhapur and arrested Vishnuvardhan in the presence of Bhanu. Vishnuvardhan Reddy is said to be a weapon supplier to Bhanu. He also helped Bhanu to kill Suri. Based on the confession of Bhanu, the CID officials arrested Vishnu and shifted him to Narayanaguda police station.    

Bhanu Kiran Reveals About His Benamis

Maddelacheruvu Suri murder accused Bhanu Kiran alias Bhanu is making startling revelations during his interrogation by the CID sleuths. He revealed about some of his benamis, who were working for him. He told that he had obtained 8 weapons so far from Patna in Bihar with the help of Mangali Krishna.  The CID officials say that Bhanu has over 8 to 10 benami persons through whom he used to execute his deals. Vishnuvardhan Reddy of Mahboobnagar district is said to be his main aide. Vishnuvardhan Reddy has been taken into custody yesterday and two weapons have been recovered from him. Police also learnt about one more weapon, which is hidden at one of his friend's house in Ananthapur. Bhanu also used to exhort money from film producers by threatening them. He took 2 crores from the producer of 'Yuvatha' movie, Natti Kumar.      

Bhanu Kiran, Tollywood Heroines Affairs

Maddelacheruvu Suri murder accused Bhanu Kiran, who is currently in CID custody has made some startling confessions during his interrogation. Bhanu said that he had several romantic affairs with top Tollywood heroines. Though Bhanu is said to have revealed the heroine's names, police have not disclosed them to the media. According to reliable sources, one of the heroines Bhanu mentioned in his confession is Nikisha Patel. Nikisha has debuted into Telugu films with Pawan Kalyan starred 'Komaram Puli' movie. Bhanu told the police that he had met Nikisha at a film shooting and had the affair going on for some time. Then Nikisha couldn't make it big in Tollywood and she shifted to Kannada field. Presently she is doing well in Kannada industry and looking for a comeback to Telugu field. According to media speculation, another two heroines' names are also making rounds. Bhanu is said to have revealed these two names of actresses in the CBI investigation. These names include a popular heroine in Telugu and Tamil. Her name starts with A and has recently shifted her base to Tamilnadu. She is said to be very close to a prominent actors' family in Tollywood. The other heroine's name starts with P. She made ​​many movies with a hero who has a good following among women and families. If these speculations turn true, then these actresses will surely be in the soup as their reputation and image would be at stake.      

Bhanu Amassed 100 Crore Worth Assets Through Settlements

The prime accused in Maddelacheruvu Suri murder case, Mallisetti Bhanu Kiran alias Bhanu has amassed a whopping 100 crore worth assets through land settlements on the outskirts of the city with the assistance of local police and revenue officials. Earlier, Bhanu told the police that he used to supply Tollywood heroines and cash to two RDOs, sub-collectors who helped him with identifying disputed and government land on the periphery of the city. During the investigation, the police has so far seized 54 documents from Bhanu. It was found that Bhanu had acquired properties in RR district, Hyderabad, Ananthapur, Kadapa, Vijayawada in Krishna district and Bangalore. Altogether he has 22 properties on his name and other properties in the name of benamis. When he had gone underground at Seoni in Madhya Pradesh, he thought of starting his own business there. At seoni, there is a famous Zoo Park, which is visited by a number of foreign tourists every year. Bhanu wanted to start a tourist resort over there. For this, he also asked his brother Vamsi to bring the required amount for investment to Seoni. According to the CID report submitted in court, Bhanu was actively involved in land settlements during the period when Suri was in jail. Bhanu also told police that Tollywood producers Singanamala Ramesh and Ch Kalyan had used his help to settle over 30 land disputes. Bhanu also wanted to establish a Mumbai type mafia in Telugu film industry at Hyderabad.      

Watch How Osama Bin Laden Was Killed

An year after dreaded terrorist Al Qaida chief Osama Bin Laden was killed by US troups in a drone operation in Abottabad of Pakistan, the US has finally released the live recording of the entire operation. The video recording shows what went on there on that fateful night, how the target was pin-pointed and finally eliminated.              

Disagreement in AP Congress Over 4 Candidates

The state Congress leadership has finalized on Wednesday candidates for the upcoming byelections in 18 assembly and 1 lok sabha constituency in A.P. Even though the list has yet to be officially confirmed, resentment is brewing over the selection of candidates in Parkal, Rajampet, Rayachoti and Anantapur constituencies. Supporters of Government Chief Whip Gandra Venkataramana Reddy wanted the party to nominate Mrs. Gandra Jyothi, wife of the Chief Whip, as the candidate. They protested before the Chief Minister's camp office opposing the move to field Samma Rao from Parkal because he was a Telugu Desam leader. Venkataramana Reddy, who is also the Warangal district unit president, expressed surprise over reports that Samma Rao's name was under consideration. "The party cadres feel humiliated at the move to nominate a person who has indulged in anti-party activities. If necessary, a delegation of Parkal leaders will go to Delhi to apprise the Congress leaders of the ground reality," he said. The selection of Meda Mallikarjun Reddy (Rajampet) and G. Ramprasad Reddy (Rayachoti) has split the party in Kadapa. Health Minister D. L. Ravindra Reddy said Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy will have to take the responsibility for the election result and added that the district Ministers were not consulted in the selection of candidates. His colleague, Md. Ahmedullah, however, said: "The Chief Minister and PCC chief convened constituency-wise meetings and elicited the opinion of the cadres. Only after receiving their suggestions, the two names were finalised." Differences also arose over the Anantapur constituency after the party almost cleared Rashid Khan's name. "The plight of the Congress party is evident from the selection as no senior leader is willing to enter the fray. It will be a tough task for us to campaign," a senior Congress MLA from the district said.    

AP By polls 2012: Cong Finalises 18 Candidates

By elections in Andhra Pradesh 2012: The Congress Party has almost finalized the list of candidates for various constituencies that are going for bye polls in June 2012.   1. Narasannapeta     - Dharmana Ramdas 2 . Ramachandrapuram    - Thota Thrimoortulu 3 . Payakaraopeta        - Gantela Sumana 4 . Allagadda        - Gangula Prathap Reddy 5 . Raidurgam         - Patil Venugopal Reddy 6 . Rajampeta        - Meda Mallikarjuna Reddy 7 . Rly. Koduru        - Eashwaraiah 8 . Nellore (Lok Sabha)    - T Subbarami Reddy 9 . Narasapuram        - Kotthapalli Subbarayudu 10. Pratthipadu        - TJR Sudhakar Babu 11. Ongole         - Magunta Parvathamma 12. Udayagiri        - Kambham Vijayarami Reddy 13. Tirupathi         - Mannuru Venkataramana 14. Yemmiganuru        - Rudra Goud 15. Rayachoti         - Ramprasada Reddy 16. Macherla        - kurri,Punnareddy 17. Polavaram        - Bujjidora 18. Parkal        - Sammaravula 19. Ananthapur        - Rashid

AP Byelections: List of Congress Candidates

Chief minister Kiran Kumar Reddy and PCC chief Botsa satyanarayana are in Delhi on Tuesday to finalize party candidates for the upcoming byelections for 18 assembly and 1 lok sabha seat. Though they are yet to meet the party president Sonia Gandhi, PCC chief released a list of candidates, which is to be confirmed by the president. Botsa said that the names now given are almost confirmed and only have to be okayed by the high command. However, candidates for four assembly seats - Macherla, Polavaram, Ananthapur and Parkal have not yet been decided hence kept in pending for another couple of days. Here's the latest list of Congress candidates for the bypolls: 1 . Narasannapeta     - Dharmana Ramdas 2 . Ramachandrapuram    - Thota Thrimoortulu 3 . Payakaraopeta        - Gantela Sumana 4 . Allagadda        - Gangula Prathap Reddy 5 . Raidurgam         - Patil Venugopal Reddy 6 . Rajampeta        - Meda Mallikarjuna Reddy 7 . Rly. Koduru        - Eashwaraiah 8 . Nellore (Lok Sabha)    - T Subbarami Reddy 9 . Narasapuram        - Kotthapalli Subbarayudu 10. Pratthipadu        - TJR Sudhakar Babu 11. Ongole         - Magunta Parvathamma 12. Udayagiri        - Kambham Vijayarami Reddy 13. Tirupathi         - Mannuru Venkataramana 14. Yemmiganuru        - Rudra Goud 15. Rayachoti         - Ramprasada Reddy 16. Macherla        - Pending 17. Polavaram        - Pending 18. Parkal        - Pending 19. Ananthapur        - Pending.      

Dammu Brings to Fore Naidu, jr NTR Cold War

A cold war, that has been brewing between TDP supremo Chandrababu Naidu, Nandamuri Harikrishna and his actor son junior NTR has come to the fore with Jagan Mohan Reddy's YSR Congress party executing its 'Operation K'. Recently, YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy hugged TDP Vijayawada Urban unit president and jr. NTR's close follower Vallabhaneni Vamsi Mohan, a Kamma, in full public glare. This Vamsi-Jagan meeting led the TDP leadership to believe that Vamsi is getting closer to YSRCP. Immediately TDP supremo issued a show-cause notice to Vamsi. Though Vamsi has denied the reports that he is joining YSRC, the TDP is not in a mood to believe him for the fact that Vamsi is a close follwer of Nandamuri Harikrishna. Vamsi, MLA Kodali Nani and Harikrishna's actor son jr. NTR are close chums and jr. NTR is believed to be behind Vamsi meeting the YSRCP chief. TDP founder lete NT Ramarao's son and actor Nandamuri Balakrishna is believed to have asked his brother-in-law and TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu to act tough against Vijayawada TDP leader Vallabhaneni Vamsi for his bonhomie with their rival Jaganmohan Reddy. According to highly-placed sources, Balaiah's anger forced Naidu to react with an unusual speed in serving a show-cause notice to Vamsi on Saturday. On the otherhand, Junior NTR was furious at Naidu as TDP followers were called for the Krishna district bandh the day his new film 'Dammu' was released. Ignoring the pleas of local leaders Kodali Nani and Vamsi, who are close to the actor, Krishna district TDP chief Devineni Umamaheswara Rao went ahead with the bandh on Friday. While the noon shows were cancelled in Vijayawada due to the bandh, Kodali Nani forced the owners of theatres in Gudivada to screen the film despite the bandh. Sources said that Junior NTR and Vamsi discussed the issue at length and the former reportedly encouraged Vamsi to go and meet Jagan in full public view to irritate Naidu.

Why Tara Chowdary Not Getting Bail?

Even after a month Tara Chowdary has been arrested by Banjara Hills police on charges of forced prostitution and blackmail, she isn't getting bail. While the police is showing one reason or the other to oppose her bail plea, the real reason is something else, say the sources. According to sources, the main reason behind Tara not getting bail so far is the competition in her business. It is said a lady-don from Vizag, who is also Tara's prime competitor in prostitution, is working behind curtains to stop Tara from getting bail. The lady don from Vizag is running a parallal sex racket and also is very influential, say the sources. The lady don, who used to act in small roles has now grown up to play big roles in Telugu films. She was the main force behind exposing Tara. She sent the girl, Laxmi from Vizag, to Tara and later managed to file a police complaint through Laxmi and got Tara Arrested. Business rivalry between Tara and lady don is the main reason for Tara's arrest. The lady don is using all her might to put Tara out of business, say the sources.      

Tara Chowdary Case: Pics From Haneef Camera

During the search on the residence of Tara Chowdary's assistant Haneef, police found a digital camera and number of CDs. Haneef's camera was loaded with semi-nude photos of some models from Mumbai and Chennai.