By Manishka Soorya & Rupsa Chakraborty

The stage is all set for the imminent arrest of former Karnataka Chief Minister, Mr. B S Yeddyurappa, and his sons in connection with a mining bribery case. The development unfurled on Wednesday (June 13) evening after a CBI special court rejected an anticipatory bail plea he had filed in this connection.

In light of the rejection, the CBI is now free to arrest Mr. Yeddyurappa, sons, Mr. B Y Raghavendra (also Shimoga MP), and Mr. B Y Vijayendra and son-in-law, Mr. R N Sohan Kumar.

The anticipatory bail was sought by the family fearing arrest after the CBI registered an FIR against the members and raided their residences on May 16.

The only option open now is to move the High Court for bail in the case. His lawyers said today they would give it a shot. It may be recalled that the CBI is probing the case following a directive to it from the Supreme Court.

The former CM’s alleged involvement in the multi-crore bribery scam is proving to be his nemesis. After creating history as the BJP’s first Chief Minister in the South, he was forced into an ignominious exit following a report by the Lokayukta indicting him in the mining scam.

The investigating agency had opposed Mr. Yeddyurappa's bail, claiming that granting him anticipatory bail would affect its on-going investigations against the illegal mining case. The CBI judge had reserved his orders in an earlier hearing.

The CBI had booked Mr. Yeddyurappa for criminal conspiracy and criminal breach of trust. They are also charged with cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act and Karnataka Restriction of Land Transfer Act.

The case against the family is very strong as they have been booked for offences under IPC including criminal conspiracy and criminal breach of trust under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act and Prevention of Corruption Act.

Mr. Yeddyurappa's sons and son-in-law have been accused of securing de-notification of 1.2 acres in Rachenahalli during his Chief Ministership for a meager sum of Rs. 40 lakhs. They are charged of selling it to a mining firm later for a whopping Rs. 20 crores.

Earlier, the BJP leader had a 25-day stint in Parappana Agrahara jail following his indictment in land de-notification deals.
Looks like he may have to return to prison again.