REPORTERS’ DIARY Permits draw the thin line

In Andhra Pradesh, it appears that while some politial leaders are indulging in illegal sandmining, others operate with permits. Senior Telugu Desam Party leader and former MLA JC Prabhakar Reddy raised eyebrows when he went public that 25 of his followers were engaged in illegal sand mining in his home turf. He urged them not to distance themselves from him and the party by indulging in unlawful activities. In striking contrast, Tadipatri MLA and JC Prabhakar Reddy’s son JC Asmit Reddy wanted Tadipatri (Rural) Circle Inspector (CI) Lakshmi Kanth Reddy to register cases against several individuals who were allegedly involved in illegal sand mining. Upon enquiries, CI Lakshmi Kanth Reddy found that the individuals were operating with permits. Still, Asmit Reddy protested in front of the Tadipatri Police Station until the CI tendered a public apology for not complying with his political demand.