CBI raids houses of BSY, relatives

Following the Supreme Court's direction, the CBI on Wednesday raided the residences and offices of former Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa and his kin in Bangalore, Shimoga, Bellary and other places, besides searching a mining firm. Watch

Following the Supreme Court's direction, the CBI on Wednesday raided the residences and offices of former Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa and his kin in Bangalore, Shimoga, Bellary and other places, besides searching a mining firm.

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This has happened amid speculation that Yeddyurappa may leave the BJP because the party has refused to provide him the cover of high office ever since he was removed from CMship.

In the evening Yeddyurappa said, "I faced a most painful day in my 40 years' political career." However, he expressed faith in the CBI and the judiciary.

CBI sources said incriminating documents were found during the raids.

Searches were also conducted at South West Mining Company, a subsidiary of JSW Steel, in Bellary district.

A JSW Steel spokesperson said: "JSW Steel reiterates it has not done any illegal activity nor (is it) connected with any wrong doing. It has full faith in the judicial process and its books are open and it will fully co-operate with the investigating agencies."

Yeddyurappa, his sons BY Raghavendra and BY Vijayendra, and son-in-law NR Sohan Kumar filed for anticipatory bail at the special CBI court. The court has directed the CBI to lodge their objections on Thursday, when the matter comes up for hearing.

About 12 teams comprising more than 100 CBI officials from Bangalore and Hyderabad conducted the raids on eight premises including those of the controversial Prerana Trust, owned by the Yeddyurappa family. The trust is alleged to have received money from South West Mining Company.

After the raids, Yeddyurappa's supporters called on him.