New Delhi : In a major blow to former Karnataka chief minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, the Supreme Court-appointed central empowered committee (CEC) on Friday recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe against him over illegal mining in the state and bribery charges against the veteran BJP leader.

The apex court had constituted the panel to probe illegal mining and other bribery charges against Yeddyurappa. The committee submitted its report to the apex court concluding that Yeddyurappa and his family members had received kickbacks from mining firms.

It recommended a detailed probe by an independent investigation agency, preferably CBI.

In its report, the CEC said the “land which was acquired for public purpose, its denotification from acquisition and subsequent permission for change of land use and sale were prima facie serious violations of the relevant acts and misuse of office by the then chief minister of Karnataka enabling his close relatives to make undue profits”.

Reacting to the recommendation made by the CEC, Yeddyurappa said he was not worried as it was just an initial report. He said he was confident of getting “justice”.

“It is only recommendation, not final (judgement). It is left to the Supreme Court to take final decision. At this stage I would not like to comment. My advocates will submit the reply to the Supreme Court,” Yeddyurappa said.

The panel’s recommendation comes as a huge blow to Yeddyurappa who has been using a reprieve from the Karnataka High Court in illegal mining cases to get back the chief minister’s chair from his successor Sadananda Gowda.

JD(S) state president HD Kumaraswamy said that the CBI probe will bring out more facts of the wrong doing.

“When we exposed it, people laughed at us. Today we are proved correct. The truth will come out. The CBI probe will bring out more facts of the wrong doing.”

“When I took charge as CM, the decisions of the previous govt…I took steps to collect money from these companies for the government,” Kumaraswamy added.