Hyderabad: The mines and geology department of Telangana State on Tuesday told the Hyderabad High Court that illegal crushing operations were noticed at Mannapuram village of Tharrur mandal in Mahbubnagar district by M/s Road Tech Pvt Ltd owned by former minister D.K. Aruna’s family members.

In a counter affidavit, filed by director of the department before a division bench comprising Justice Dilip B. Bhosale and Justice A. Ramalingeswara Rao, submitted that the firm has been undertaking quarrying operations not only within the lease area, but also outside the area, which is not leased out.

It was also submitted that the stone and metal that is quarried within and outside the leased area is being transported without any dispatch permits being obtained from the department.

The bench was hearing a PIL by B. Krishna Mohan Reddy, former ZPTC member seeking action against the family members D.K. Aruna for their alleged involvement in illegal crushing operations.

He urged the court to direct a state government inquiry into the alleged illegal crushing operations undertaken by former minister’s husband and daughter in the name of M/s Road Tech Pvt Ltd and also for diversion of kerosene supplied through public distribution system for their crushing machines.

He alleged that the lease license was given for one hectare, but the respondents are carrying out operation in 20 hectares.

Counsels appearing for D.K. Aruna’s family submitted that the allegations are baseless.

The bench then directed the respondents to file reply affidavits and adjourned the case for next week.