Hyderabad, Nov 17th: The Andhra Pradesh Government on Nov 17 decided to ask the Union Government to direct the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the alleged 'irregularities committed by Obulapuram Mining Corporation (OMC) in mining operations in Anantapur District'. The government took the decision to prevent the Opposition parties from ''politicizing the issue with a view to gain electoral mileage'' in the civic polls in the State Capital.

The State Government's decision comes in the wake of stir by Opposition parties, including the TDP, CPI, CPI (M), Lok Satta Party and the All India Forward Bloc, for cancellation of the mining license granted to the OMC, promoted by Karnataka Tourism Minister G Janardhan Reddy and facilitate a survey by the Survey of India. The State Government, after three review meetings with officials of the departments of Revenue, Mines and Geology, Forest and Environment, had last week constituted a three-member high level official committee to hold an inquiry after visiting the mining site in Anantapur District and submit its report this week. Chief Minister K Rosaiah had asserted the government would act as per law and protect the State's interests.