Rediff

Bangalore, Aug 23: A snowballing controversy over mining in Karnataka's Bellary district erupted on Wednesday, as Bharatiya Janata Party MLC Janardhan  Reddy released a CD which contains phone conversations, which he claims will prove that Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and his associates accepted  bribes worth Rs 150 crore from mining companies.

The CD was screened for the press in Bellary on Wednesday afternoon.

Reddy also cited cheque numbers to prove that Kumaraswamy has been routing money through his sister-in-law's account and buying property in relatives' names. He has filed a case against the chief minister, former deputy chief minister M P Prakash and Forest Minister Chennygappa.

Ironically, the BJP runs a coalition government with Kumaraswamy's Janata Dal (Secular). Reddy's allegations have sent the Karnataka government into a tizzy. He first made accusations against the chief minister in July, when the Bellary SP was transferred.

The iron ore mining industry in Bellary has been booming and Reddy claims to have evidence of the chief minister and his family's involvement in illegal mining outfits.