ED raids locations tied to Patancheru BRS MLA in illegal mining case

HYDERABAD: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday conducted extensive searches at multiple locations associated with Patancheru BRS MLA Gudem Mahipal Reddy and his brother Gudem Madhusudhan Reddy in connection with the Rs 300 crore illegal stone mining case in which the latter is the main accused.
The searches began early in the morning in seven to eight locations, including offices of Madhusudhan’s company, Santhosh Sand and Granite Supply, and associate firms as well as properties of alleged benamis.During the searches, ED seized property documents and Rs 20 lakh.
ED’s investigation was based on an FIR lodged by Patancheru police against Madhusudhan, who is facing charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Apart from the alleged mining of stone and metal from the quarries, ED also took note of alleged violation of central environmental regulations and unauthorised excavation beyond permissible limits.
In the course of the ongoing investigation, Mahipal also came under ED scrutiny, sources said.
Madhusudhan was earlier arrested for alleged illegal mining done through his firms and was even remanded in judicial custody following a complaint by the mandal revenue officer (MRO).