Jitters to Mining machinery of UP: CBI team reaches Kaushambi

Lucknow: Even before the Uttar Pradesh government could gather steam to defend its Mining Minister Gayatri Prajapati , a team of CBI had already reached Kaushambi district to gather information about illegal mining in the state.

Allahabad High Court had, on July 28 last, ordered probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation into illegal mining in Uttar Pradesh. The Court had also asked the CBI to file its preliminary report within six weeks.

It had come as a jolt to the state government which was already facing public reprimand on the issue. Interestingly, Chief minister Akhilesh Yadav had also held the mining portfolio for two years.

A team of four officers reached Kashambi, a small district adjacent to Allahabad, has been known for indiscreet mining having situated on the banks of river Yamuna.

As another setback, according to departmental sources, a former Director of mining department has already expressed his desire to turn approver , if made accused. He was sacked after refusing to accede to unjust demands of the Minister Gayatri Prajapti, sources added.

In fact, the UP Chief Minister Akhilesh yadav had called an emergent meeting of the departmental officials and the law experts for their opinion to challenge the High Court order.