The Andhra Pradesh High Court has on Monday cancelled the bail granted by the lower to IAS officer Srilakshmi in the OMC case being investigated by CBI. The court ordered Sriklakhmi to surrender before CBI court on or before January 6.
The CBI arrested Yerra Srilakshmi on November 27, accusing her of complicity in granting mining leases to Obulapuram Mining Company owned by Gali Janardhana Reddy.
She secured bail from Nampally CBI court December 2. The CBI filed a petition in High Court, praying for cancellation of the bail order. The investigating agency argued that Srilakshmi played a key role in the mining scam and that she could tamper with evidence if she were to let off.
Srilakshmi cited health reasons to secure bail, which was stoutly opposed by CBI, citing medical reports. Srilakshmi is the only senior IAS officer in recent times in the state to be put behind bars for misuse of official powers.
Srilakshmi’s husband Gopikrishna is presently serving as Inspector General of Police, Crime Investigation Department (CID).
Srilakshmi, once considered one of the most powerful bureaucrats in the state, was arrested in her office for her alleged role in the illegal mining case and for favouring OMC.
Srilakshmi was functioning as Commissioner of Family Welfare, when she was questioned by the CBI officials twice earlier in connection with the case.
