Akhilesh Yadav's Alleged Role In Illegal Mining During His Tenure As UP Chief Minister Under ED's Lens

Once again, trouble seems to be brewing for former CM of Uttar Pradesh Akhilesh Yadav. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted raids in places associated with former minister in Yadav's cabinet, Gayatri Prajapati, in relation with illegal mining in the state. Properties associated with Prajapati's relatives are also under the ED's scanner.

In June last year, it was reported that the CBI started its probe on 13 mining projects -- allegedly "cleared by his office on a single day, as part of its investigation into the illegal mining scam in the state." The probe came after high court orders.

This report says:

"Sources said the office of the former chief minister had allegedly cleared 14 leases, of which 13 were cleared on 17 February 2013, in violation of the e-tendering process. Sources added that on 17 February 2013, the leases were granted by the district magistrate of Hamirpur after getting approval from then chief minister’s office in violation of its 2012 e-tender policy, which was ratified by the Allahabad high court on 29 January 2013. The agency is now scrutinising documents pertaining to 13 mining projects, they said."

The role of Yadav in the illegal mining scam is also under scanner. He was minister for mining between 2012 and 2017. Illegal mining reportedly took place in the state between 2012 and 2016.

Prajapati's role in the same ministry under Yadav in the latter's tenure as UP's chief minister, is also under the scanner of the agencies.

This report says that the agency has scanned the residences of B Chandralekha, an IAS officer in Hamirpur, along with other senior officers in the state who have served in Bijnor, Meerut and Bulandshahr districts of the state.