Manish Tewari backs Durga Shakti Nagpal, says suspension 'extremely unfortunate'

Terming the suspension of Gautam Buddh Nagar Sub-Divisional Magistrate Durga Shakti Nagpal as extremely unfortunate, Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari on Thursday said that such honest IAS officers should be fully supported.

"It is extremely unfortunate that an individual or an officer who is being sincere in doing their job to act against those who are engaging in illegalities is suspended instead of being supported by the state. It is a decision taken by the state government and commenting on it further would not be correct," Tewari said.

The Ludhiana Member of Parliament also used the occasion to target the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) Government in Punjab.

"However, since the sand mafia is a matter of consideration, if one turns towards Punjab you will see that it is even more immersed in illegalities and mafia crimes especially, sand mafia crimes," he said.

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As the clamor for reinstating suspended IAS officer Durga Shakti Nagpal has grown louder, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav earlier today defended his government's action, saying the bureaucrat ordered the demolition of a portion of the mosque which might have resulted in disturbing peace in the state.

"You should inquire from the people of that village. The Muslim families collected donation for building a mosque, a wall was built, and you took the decision without holding any consultation and spoilt the environment there," Yadav said.

Yadav said that there was no matter of mining for which the action was taken.

"The government will act against all those who act against goodwill and brotherhood or try to spoil the environment by of their work," he added, while rubbishing reports that the state government acted tough only because it was a matter of illegal mining.

"If you look at the record of the last two to three months then you will come to know that truck and machines were caught. We are also desirous that illegal mining should not take place," Yadav said.

Meanwhile, the All India IAS Officers Association today met the Minister for Personnel V. Narayanasamy in New Delhi, and submitted a memorandum, saying that the suspension of Gautam Budh Nagar District Magistrate Durga Shakti Nagpal be revoked.