In a significant development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Will CBI arrest Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav in Illegal Mining Case, the president of the Samajwadi Party and former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, to appear as a witness for questioning in illegal mining cases. This move comes five years after the case was initially registered, indicating a critical phase in the investigation.
Allegations and Investigation
Uncovering Illegal Activities
The case revolves around allegations of illegal mining of minor minerals during the years 2012-2016, a period coinciding with Yadav’s tenure as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. The CBI, acting on the directives of the Allahabad High Court, initiated seven preliminary enquiries in 2016 to delve into the matter.
Breach of Protocol
At the heart of the allegations is the purported issuance of mining leases in contravention of the e-tendering process. It is alleged that public officials, including those in positions of authority, facilitated illegal mining activities and unlawfully renewed licenses, despite prohibitions set forth by the National Green Tribunal.
The Summon and Its Implications
Legal Notice
Under section 160 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), the CBI has issued a formal notice summoning Akhilesh Yadav for questioning. The notice requires his appearance before the agency on February 29, 2024, in connection with the case registered in 2019.
Potential Ramifications
The summoning of Yadav, a prominent political figure, underscores the gravity of the situation. As a witness in the investigation, his testimony could shed light on crucial aspects of the alleged irregularities, potentially impacting the course of the inquiry.
Key Findings and Accusations
Alleged Misuse of Authority
The CBI contends that during his tenure, Yadav’s office cleared numerous mining projects in violation of established protocols. Specifically, it is alleged that on February 17, 2013, 13 mining leases were approved in contravention of the e-tendering process, a move deemed irregular and unlawful.
Role Under Scrutiny
As the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh from 2012 to 2017, Yadav also held the mining portfolio during 2012-2013, raising questions about his involvement in the alleged misconduct. The FIR implicates Yadav’s actions during this period, bringing his role in the spotlight.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has issued a summons to Samajwadi Party president, Akhilesh Yadav, in connection with illegal mining cases. This move comes five years after the initial registration of the case. The agency has invoked section 160 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which empowers it to summon witnesses for questioning. The case revolves around the alleged issuance of mining leases in violation of the e-tendering process during Yadav’s tenure as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
Background and Allegations
The allegations suggest that public servants, during the period of 2012-2016, permitted illegal mining activities despite a ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal. Moreover, there are claims of illicit renewal of mining licenses and facilitation of mineral theft, accompanied by extortion from lease-holders and drivers. The CBI initiated seven preliminary inquiries in 2016, following the directives of the Allahabad High Court, to investigate the matter thoroughly.
Alleged Role of Akhilesh Yadav
Akhilesh Yadav’s tenure as the Chief Minister has come under scrutiny, particularly regarding his handling of the mining portfolio. The CBI alleges that during his tenure, there were instances of rapid clearance of mining projects, with 13 projects reportedly approved in a single day. Furthermore, there are accusations of circumventing the e-tendering process and granting leases in violation of established policies.
Recent Developments and Legal Proceedings
In January 2019, the CBI conducted searches at multiple locations as part of its investigation. The FIR named 11 individuals, including government officials and political figures like IAS officer B Chandrakala and Samajwadi Party MLC Ramesh Kumar Mishra. The probe specifically focuses on the illegal mining of minor minerals in the Hamirpur district during the aforementioned period.
Conclusion
The summoning of Akhilesh Yadav by the CBI marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into illegal mining activities. With the spotlight on his tenure as Chief Minister, the inquiry delves into allegations of corruption and misuse of authority, underscoring the importance of upholding transparency and accountability in governance. As the proceedings unfold, all eyes are on the revelations that may emerge, shaping the trajectory of the case and its implications for all involved parties.
