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Former Karnataka chief minister B S Yeddyurappa on Friday welcomed the Supreme Court's order to the Central Bureau Investigation (CBI) to conduct a probe in three cases filed against him, but alleged that it was a conspiracy against him to make him an accused. "The Supreme Court has ordered probe into illegal mining that pertained to my tenure as chief minister. I request the Prime Minister to order a CBI probe into the issue since 2000 till my regime," Yeddyurappa told reporters on the sidelines of a function at Nanjangud near Mysore . The senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader further said that he was in fact responsible for the end of illegal mining in the state. "Political conspiracy hatched against me has made me an accused in illegal mining though it is I who stopped it. I am facing the trouble after doing good work. I know how to come out of this political labyrinth," Yeddyurappa claimed. He, however, said "I welcome the Supreme Court decision". The apex court on Friday observed that prima facie there was proof against Yeddyurappa, who is accused of having favoured mining companies for financial gains. Yeddyurappa filed for an anticipatory bail soon after the Supreme Court order. The court also directed the CBI to finish investigations and submit report by August 3. Following the order all cases and investigations which are underway against Yeddyurappa and others would automatically be stayed, and the only investigations would be carried out by the CBI. A public interest litigation seeking an investigation against Yeddyurappa was referred to the Central Empowered Committee (CEC), which had recommended CBI probe in three cases against Yeddyurappa. The court accepted the CEC report, which had asked for a CBI enquiry against Yeddyurappa, JSW Steel Ltd and Adani Group.

Ex-Karnataka CM Yeddyurappa welcomes Supreme Court order, but alleges conspiracy