In a significant development, Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav has been summoned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as a witness in an illegal mining case scheduled for Thursday. The summons issued under Section 160 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) requires Yadav's appearance before the federal agency in Delhi for questioning regarding alleged illegal mining activities in Uttar Pradesh's Hamirpur district between 2012 and 2016.
The FIR, which forms the basis of the investigation, outlines charges including criminal conspiracy, theft, extortion, cheating, and attempt to commit offence and misconduct. It implicates 11 individuals along with unidentified public servants allegedly involved in facilitating illegal mining of minor minerals in Hamirpur, causing substantial losses to the state exchequer and leveraging their positions for undue gains.
According to the CBI FIR, a comprehensive inquiry uncovered a pattern of malfeasance wherein government officials, in collusion, flouted regulations by granting fresh leases, renewing existing ones, and overlooking tendering procedures. This environment enabled unauthorized excavation of minor minerals, leading to theft and extortion from leaseholders and transporters.
The ramifications of illegal mining extend beyond financial losses, as highlighted by the Allahabad High Court's intervention in July 2016. Expressing dismay over governmental inaction, the court mandated a CBI probe to ascertain the extent of collusion between state authorities and mining operators. The directive underscored the imperative to safeguard natural resources from rampant exploitation, emphasizing accountability and stringent enforcement measures.
The summons served to Akhilesh Yadav underscores the gravity of the situation and the determination of investigative agencies to pursue justice. As a prominent political figure, Yadav's testimony holds significance in unraveling the intricacies of the alleged malpractices and illuminating the nexus between political power and illicit activities.
While the legal proceedings unfold, the case serves as a poignant reminder of the imperative to uphold the rule of law and combat corruption at all levels. It underscores the collective responsibility to safeguard public resources and ensure transparency and accountability in governance.
As the investigation progresses, the nation awaits answers and anticipates decisive action to root out systemic corruption and protect the interests of the people of Uttar Pradesh.
Follow us
