ED raids multiple locations in Lucknow in relation to Mayawati statue case

The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday conducted multiple searches across six different locations in Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow. The raids were conducted in connection with Mayawati statue case. As per information, Tenure of BSP chief Mayawati as Chief Minister between 2007 and 2011 under scanner.

On the basis of case registered by UP State vigilance department under section 120 B of IPC  r/w 409 IPC and Section 13 (1) (d)  read with section 13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act , 1988 , ED had registered a case under Prevention of Money Laundering act as it resulted in loss of Rs 111,44,35,066 to Government exchequer and unlawful gain to public servants and private individuals.

 A large number of statues depicting BSP supremo Mayawati, her mentor Kanshi Ram, and the party's elephant symbol, had come under the scanner. 

Estimates suggest that each statue of Kanshi Ram and Mayawati cost Rs 6.65 crores. Each elephant statue costs more than Rs 70 lakh. 

 Earlier, the economic offences wing of the state's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) attempted to figure out who benefited from the alleged swindle. 

130 statues of huge elephants, were placed in parks in Noida and Lucknow during Mayawati's tenure. Her party's symbol is the elephant.

Read: PM Aspirant Mayawati Lashes Out At Rahul Gandhi, Calls Minimum Income Guarantee Another 'political Jhumla'

Meanwhile, hitting out at the government over its plea to return the land around the disputed Ayodhya site, BSP chief Mayawati on Wednesday said the move is out of "frustration" as the BJP feels it will not return to power because of her alliance with the Samajwadi Party.

Describing the plea as a step aimed at influencing the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the former Uttar Pradesh chief minister said it is BJP's latest poll gimmick.

"The step taken by the Central government on Tuesday is blatant government interference and aimed at influencing the coming Lok Sabha elections against which people need to remain vigilant," Ms Mayawati said in a statement.

"BJP is now feeling that it will not return to power at the Centre after the SP-BSP alliance in Uttar Pradesh and out of frustration both the BJP-led Central and state governments are doing what is least expected from an elected government working as per the Constitution," she said.