In an interesting development, former Karnataka Minister and the main accused in the illegal mining case Mr Gali Janardhan Reddy has requested the Bangalore wing of the CBI not to interrogate his wife Aruna Lakshmi.

CBI has served a notice on her to appear before them in connection with the illegal mining activity undertaken by the Associated Mining Company in which she is a director. CBI thought she must be in the know of things about the illegal mining activity of the company and asked her to appear before them.

However, Janardhan reddy has requested the CBI officials to spare her from questioning and it is yet not known how the CBI officials have reacted to the request.

Meanwhile, CBI custody of Gali and his PA Ali Khan will end on Monday and the CBI will produce them before the Bangalore CBI court to seek their further custody. (J)