Lokayukta begins probe into memorial scam, issues notices

"Notices are being issued to officers to know the evidences of the case," Lokayukta Justice N K Mehrotra told PTI.

While Director-Mining has been summoned on July 19, managing director of Rajkiya Nirman Nigam has been asked to appear before the Lokayukta on July 24, Joint Director-Mining on July 25 and the then Director-Mining Ram Bodha Maurya on July 26, he said.

The Uttar Pradesh government had issued a notification facilitating the Lokayukta to conduct an inquiry into alleged irregularities in supply of sandstones for construction of memorials and parks in Lucknow and Noida.

"A notification has been issued and it has been received by the Lokayukta office," under secretary A K Singhal had said yesterday.

In June, the Lokayukta had asked the state government to issue such a notification.

"As it is a big inquiry involving various departments and non-public servants, I have requested the government to issue a notification under the UP Lokayukta Act," Lokayukta Justice Mehrotra had said.

He had also requested the government to provide an agency for assistance which has police powers.