Tirupati: A former YSRC minister from Nellore district has come under police scrutiny in connection with an ongoing investigation into illegal quartz mining and transportation activities. The case took a fresh turn with the arrest of Biradavolu Sreekanth Reddy in Hyderabad on Monday. He was produced before the Gudur court, which remanded him to 14 days’ judicial custody.According to sources, during interrogation, Sreekanth Reddy revealed his involvement with two former YSRC ministers in the mining operations. One of them is already in judicial custody, while the other reportedly from Nellore, is now being probed. Sreekanth allegedly admitted that, despite expiry of the lease, quartz mining continued at the Rusthum quarry from August 2023.The day-to-day operations at the quarry were allegedly managed by Vakati Shiva Reddy and Vakati Srinivasa Reddy. Sources said Sreekanth received ₹1,000 per tonne for overseeing the illegal extraction and transport. The mined quartz was reportedly dumped on land belonging to Enugu Sashidhar Reddy, with a payment of ₹25,000 per acre for use of the dumping ground.Further revelations suggest the extracted quartz was exported to China through another associate, with profits allegedly diverted into real estate ventures. Sreekanth is said to have informed investigators that he and the former minister under scrutiny jointly developed real estate projects in Gudur and Naidupeta, and launched two housing ventures in Hyderabad.Following the change in government in 2024, Sreekanth reportedly shifted base to Hyderabad, fearing legal repercussions. Police are continuing their investigation into financial transactions and land acquisitions connected to the case.
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