ED files money laundering case against Akhilesh Yadav in mining scam

The Enforcement Directorate has filed a money laundering case in illegal mining scam against Akhilesh Yadav.

The licenses given out by Yadav as a Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh are under scanner.

He is also under the CBI scanner.

Over a fortnight ago, there were speculations that the former UP chief minister and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief will be questioned by the CBI.

Yadav had geld the additional portfolio of mining during 2012-13.

The CBI carried out fresh raids at more than 12 locations in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi in connection with illegal sand mining case on January 5.

The places where the raids were conducted include Jalao, Hamirpur, Noida, Lucknow and Kanpur. As many as 11 people including government officials conducted the raids. 

READ | Trouble for Akhilesh Yadav as CBI likely to investigate him in illegal mining case: Sources

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.

Yadav had spoken about being in CBI scanner on the illegal mining case. 

"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.

READ | "Can't Hide From CBI By Questioning The Timing Of Probe": BJP To Akhilesh Yadav On Mining Raids