CBI court rejects bail plea; BS Yeddyurappa in trouble

In a fresh jolt to former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa, a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court on Wednesday rejected his anticipatory bail plea in connection with the illegal mining case, saying that his bail can go against the interest of witnesses in the case and hamper the ongoing investigation.

The plea was filed after the Supreme Court asked the CBI to probe Yeddyurappa’s alleged role in illegal mining and the kickbacks he received from some companies to facilitate illegal mining.

CBI court judge DR Venkata Sudarshan also dismissed anticipatory bail petitions of Yeddyurappa’s sons BY Raghavendra and BY Vijayendra and son-in-law RN Sohan Kumar.

While rejecting Yeddyurappa’s bail plea, the court observed that investigating officials were yet to question some government officials who had worked under Yeddyurappa when he was the chief minister. Granting bail may have adverse effect on the witnesses which can derail the investigation, the court said, adding that since Yeddyurappa is holding an influential position as an MLA and his son Raghavendra is an MP, their bails were not feasible. The court also said public interest is important than individual freedom, adding that a mere rejection of the anticipatory bail cannot be a ground for arrest.

Soon after the CBI court pronounced its verdict, a petition was moved before the high court challenging the order. It will come up for hearing on Thursday.

After hearing the order, a visibly disturbed Yeddyurappa held a closed-door meeting with his supporters to decide the next course of action.