PTC News Desk: A legal issue has arisen for former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and current Samajwadi Party (SP) chief, Akhilesh Yadav, as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned him in connection with a case involving illegal mining in the state. The case dates back five years and requires Yadav to appear before the probe agency on February 29.
Under Section 160 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which allows law enforcement officials to request the presence of witnesses for interrogation, the CBI has called upon Akhilesh Yadav to participate in their investigation as a witness. This development signifies a significant progression in the ongoing investigation of illegal mining activities in Uttar Pradesh.
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What is the illegal mining case?
The illegal mining case in Uttar Pradesh centers around allegations of irregularities in the granting of mining permits, allegedly carried out outside the prescribed e-tendering process. It is alleged that between 2012 and 2016, public officials, in collaboration with others, facilitated unauthorized 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 reportedly renewed unlawfully. Furthermore, authorities were accused of allowing mineral theft and extorting money from lease-holders and drivers.
Initiated in 2016, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launched seven preliminary inquiries following orders from the Allahabad High Court to investigate cases of illegal mining. In 2019, the probe agency carried out searches in various areas of Uttar Pradesh and Delhi in connection with the case.
According to the CBI, Akhilesh Yadav, who was then the 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 after receiving authorization from the Chief Minister’s office.
Significant is Yadav’s term as the Minister of Mining during 2012-13, which raises questions about his involvement in the issue. He was succeeded by Gayatri Prajapati in 2013. Prajapati, who assumed the position, was arrested in 2017 following allegations of rape made against him by a woman in Chitrakoot.
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(Information from agencies)
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