In a high-profile development that has sent ripples through Andhra Pradesh’s political circles, former minister and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader Kakani Govardhan Reddy was arrested by Andhra Pradesh Police on Sunday in connection with a massive illegal quartz mining operation in Kerala.
After months on the run, Kakani was finally apprehended by a special police team, ending a long chase across state borders. He is expected to be transported back to Nellore—the epicenter of the case—by Monday for further investigation.
Quartz, Corruption & Cover-ups
The arrest stems from a case registered earlier this year by the Mines and Geology Department, which accused Kakani of unauthorized extraction and transportation of quartz from sites in Nellore district. The operation reportedly involved mining activity that continued illegally even after existing leases expired.
What started as a mica lease near Tatiparthi is said to have turned into unchecked quartz mining near Thoderu village, leading to an alleged loss of ₹7.56 crore to the exchequer, including penalties.
Evading the Law
Despite receiving official summons from the Nellore Rural DSP, Kakani failed to appear for questioning. He then sought anticipatory bail from both the High Court and the Supreme Court, but was denied relief. In April, a lookout notice was issued to prevent him from fleeing the country, with alerts sent to all major airports and seaports.
His arrest comes as a significant breakthrough in what authorities are calling a major crackdown on mining-related corruption during the previous YSRCP administration.
Explosives & Intimidation Allegations
Investigators have also uncovered that Kakani allegedly stockpiled explosives used in mining operations without legal clearance. More shockingly, he is accused of threatening tribal residents who questioned the illegal activities in their areas—an allegation that has added a disturbing layer to the case.
Political Crossfire
The ruling TDP-led coalition, which initiated the probe after coming to power last year, views the arrest as a step toward accountability. TDP leader and Sarvepalli MLA Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy was among the first to raise alarms over widespread illegal mining back in 2019.
However, the YSRCP has hit back, accusing the TDP of using law enforcement as a weapon to pursue political vendettas against opposition leaders.
The Bigger Picture
Kakani is one of several YSRCP leaders currently under investigation for alleged corruption and misuse of power during their tenure. With state politics heating up, observers believe this case could be the start of more high-stakes legal and political showdowns.
