CBI summons Akhilesh Yadav for questioning in Uttar Pradesh illegal mining case
PTC News Desk: Former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and current Samajwadi Party (SP) chief, Akhilesh Yadav, finds himself entangled in a legal matter as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned him regarding a case involving illegal mining in the state. The case, dating back five years, has prompted Yadav to appear before the probe agency on February 29.
Under Section 160 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which empowers law enforcement officers to request the presence of witnesses for questioning, the CBI has called upon Akhilesh Yadav to participate in their investigation as a witness. This development marks a significant turn in the ongoing scrutiny of illegal mining activities in Uttar Pradesh.
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The illegal mining case in Uttar Pradesh revolves around allegations of irregularities in the issuance of mining leases, purportedly conducted outside the framework of the mandated e-tendering process. It is claimed that between 2012 and 2016, public officials, in collusion with other individuals, facilitated unauthorised mining of Minor Minerals in the Hamirpur district of Uttar Pradesh. Despite a ban on mining imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), licenses were allegedly renewed unlawfully. Additionally, authorities were accused of permitting mineral theft and engaging in extortion from lease-holders and drivers.
Initiated in 2016, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launched seven preliminary inquiries following directives from the Allahabad High Court to investigate instances of illegal mining. In 2019, the probe agency conducted searches in various regions of Uttar Pradesh and Delhi in connection with the case.
According to the CBI, Akhilesh Yadav, then Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, is implicated for approving 13 mining projects on a single day, February 17, 2013, in violation of the prescribed e-tendering process. Allegedly, the district magistrate of Hamirpur, B. Chandrakala, endorsed these clearances subsequent to obtaining authorization from the Chief Minister's office.
Of significance is Yadav's tenure as the Minister of Mining during 2012-13, which raises questions about his involvement in the matter. He was succeeded by Gayatri Prajapati in 2013. Prajapati, who assumed the role, faced arrest in 2017 following allegations of rape leveled against him by a woman residing in Chitrakoot.
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(Inputs from agencies)
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