UP Lokayukta recommends inquiry against former minister

N K Mehrotra in his report to Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has said that the probe should be conducted either by the CBI, Enforcement Directorate, Anti Corruption or the Vigilance Department, sources in the Lokayukta office here said.

The Lokayukta has asked the government to finalise the investigating agency so that the original evidence could be handed over to it.

It has also recommended that the probe be conducted in six months time and action ensured.

The Lokayukta recommendation has been made in connection with a complaint lodged by one Ashvini Sharma of Hathras alleging that Upadhaya and his family members had amassed property, grabbed land and arranged major PWD contracts in the western districts for close relatives by misusing his position in the BSP government.

During the probe it was also found that many of his family members had donated property to each other after purchasing it at devalued prices, sources said.