CBI investigators are yet to pinpoint the source from where iron ore was mined illegally in Karnataka in the Obulapuram Mining Company case. In the chargesheet, the CBI has apparently mentioned that the iron ore was transported from various mines in Karnataka but the exact locations were not revealed. Legal experts, meanwhile, say that the sources of the illegal iron ore will be the crucial part of the case. The laptop of Mr Gali Janardhan Reddy’s PA, Mr Mehfuz Ali Khan, which had been seized by Income Tax officials, had revealed that iron ore had been transported from areas like Kallahalli in Karnataka. Based on this the CBI had recorded statements of iron ore transporters who in turn had revealed the smuggling of iron ore from Karnataka to Andrha Pradesh. “The key allegation against Gali Janardhan Reddy and others is that they had conspired to get leases and used AP permits to sell illegal iron ore from Karnataka. The vague information that the ore was mined in Karnataka might weaken the case. CBI should investigate how much amount of iron ore was excavated from which mine. This would help tighten the noose around Gali Janardhan Reddy and the other accused. CBI should have used satellite technology as well as the technology of Singareni Collieries to identify that iron ore was excavated illegally,” said a former CBI official. The exact source of the illegal iron ore will be known only when Mr Gali Janardhan Reddy’s PA Mr M.A. Khan is apprehended. He is missing since the arrest of Mr Gali Janardhan Reddy. Sources said that the scope of the investigation is further limited in the case due to the court orders as they can’t look into mines with border disputes. Meanwhile the CBI has decided to send reports regarding the violation of the Forest and Mineral Development Act to the concerned departments who will file separate complaints in the court regarding the violations.