CBI Summons Akhilesh Yadav in 5-Year-Old Illegal Mining Case: What You Need to Know
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav in connection with a five-year-old illegal mining case in Uttar Pradesh. Yadav has been called to join the investigation as a witness on February 29, under section 160 of the CrPC.
The illegal mining case revolves around the alleged issuance of mining leases in violation of the e-tendering process between 2012 and 2016. Public servants are accused of engaging in criminal conspiracy, allowing illegal mining of Minor Minerals in UP’s Hamirpur district, and renewing licenses despite a ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Additionally, officers are alleged to have permitted mineral theft and extorted money from lease-holders and drivers.
The CBI, acting on the directions of the Allahabad High Court, initiated seven preliminary inquiries in 2016 to investigate the case. In 2019, the agency conducted searches in various locations in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi.
According to the CBI, Akhilesh Yadav, who was the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh at the time, approved 13 mining projects on a single day, February 17, 2013, violating the e-tendering process. The clearance was reportedly granted by the district magistrate of Hamirpur, B Chandrakala, with approval from the Chief Minister’s office. Akhilesh Yadav, who also held the mining portfolio during 2012-13, faces scrutiny for his role in the case.
It’s worth noting that Gayatri Prajapati succeeded Yadav as the Minister of Mining in 2013 and was later arrested in 2017 on charges of rape following a complaint by a woman in Chitrakoot.
