"Can't hide from CBI by questioning the timing of probe": BJP to Akhilesh Yadav on mining raids

Uttar Pradesh health minister Siddharth Nath Singh told Akhilesh Yadav's on Sunday that he cannot hide from the CBI by questioning the timing of the probe against him about the mining scam in the state during 2012-2013. 

"The CBI does not see if there is a gatbandhan happening or if there is an election period. You can't hide behind the question why the probe is happening ahead of election," he said.

The party even posed pointed questions for Akhilesh Yadav, the Samajwadi Party chief with respect to the scam that happened during his tenure as the mining minister of the state from 2012-2013.

"When the scam happened in Hamirpur were you not the mining minister? How did you make the Chandrakala Hamirpur DM? What is the connection of your party to accused Dinesh Kumar Mishra, Ambika Tewari, Sanjay Dixit and Adil Khan? Gayatri Prajapati was made the mining minister after the scam did you ask him to go underground when the mining scam happened? You had taken some part of the wall from your official residence when in you were in power? Did those parts of the wall were in anyway related to the mining scam?" he said.

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He said that the Samajwadi Party wants to begin with their 'loot' and waiting for the 'Chowkidar to leave'.

"They are still waiting for the Chowkidar to go as they want to start with their loot," he said.

He also spoke about the gatbandhan between the Samajwadi Party and the BSP. 

"Those who are trying to remain relevant are trying to form the gathbandhan. BJP has no threat of the gatbandgan," he said.

Earlier in the day, Akhilesh Yadav responded to the reports of CBI probe against him and said that in jest that he is getting an opportunity to meet the CBI.

READ: "Earlier Congress Gave Us A Chance To Meet CBI, Now BJP Is Giving Us A Chance To Meet Them," Says Akhilesh Yadav On Reports Of CBI Probing Him

"ANI's reporter lied when he asked me on Gatbandhan but the TV channels played it as I denied to comment on the CBI raid I am happy that BJP has shown us their true colours. Earlier Congress gave us a chance to meet the CBI, now BJP is giving us a chance to meet the CBI," he said.

Yadav might be headed for turbulent times ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections. As per sources, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will look into the role of all the ministers in power at the time of the illegal mining scam in Uttar Pradesh will be investigated and that Akhilesh Yadav might be questioned in the matter.

The CBI will quiz Akhilesh Yadav in the illegal mining scam. He held the additional portfolio of mining during 2012-13. The development comes after the CBI carried out fresh raids at more than 12 locations in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi in connection with illegal sand mining case.

On Saturday, CBI carried out raids at 14 places in Jalao, Hamirpur, Noida, Lucknow and Kanpur. As many as 11 people including government officials conducted the raids. For a limited period, there was a ban on mining in UP, however, it is alleged that government officials allowed mining even during the ban period. 

Among those accused include Adil Khan, B.Chandrakala, then mining officer Moinuddin, SP MLC Ramesh Mishra and his brother, mining clerk Ram Ashray Prajapati, Ambika Tiwari (Hamirpur), mining clerk Ram Avatar Singh and his relative and Sanjay Dikshit, reported the news agency ANI.

The central investigative agency also conducted raid at the premises of IAS officers and former Hamirpur District Magistrate Chandrakala. The CBI had earlier registered a preliminary enquiry in UP illegal mining scam case but has now filed a case. 

READ | Trouble For Akhilesh Yadav As CBI Likely To Investigate Him In Illegal Mining Case: Sources