Can you think of an accused in judicial custody contemplating to conduct an ‘annadanam' (feeding the poor) in jail?
Former Karnataka Minister and mining baron Gali Janardhana Reddy, surprised Chenchalguda jail authorities here by seeking permission to organise an ‘annadanam' programme, according to sources.
Money in prisoner account
“Mr Reddy has about Rs 35,000 in his prisoner's account in the jail and wanted to feed the poor. The request is being examined,” a jail functionary told
Janardhana Reddy and the Obulapuram Mining Company Managing Director, B.V. Srinivasa Reddy, were arrested by the CBI on September 5 in connection with an illegal mining case.
The ‘high' spirituality being shown by Reddy, a Karnataka BJP strongman, is also another surprise. A known devotee of Lord Shiva, he is spending the ‘free' time in a Shiva temple opposite to his barracks.
He wanted to conduct ‘Rudrabhishekam' in the prison and requested the officials to allow a priest into the jail for the purpose.
In prayer and fast
Most of the times, he is seen in prayer with fasts, say jail sources.
Meanwhile, some astrologers are also trying to ‘cash in' on the situation by suggesting rituals to the ex-minister to bail him out of trouble.
While an astrologer-cum-priest from Karnataka had already met him, others from the city had also applied for ‘mulakhat' with him, the officials confirmed.
The bail petitions of Janardhana Reddy and Srinivasa Reddy will be heard by the CBI Special Court on September 29.