CBI calls Akhilshan for questioning as a witness

The CBI has called Samajwadi Party president and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav for questioning as a witness in the illegal mining case registered five years ago.

According to officials, in the notice issued under Section 160 of CrPC, CBI has ordered him to appear on February 29 in connection with a case registered in 2019.

Under this section, the police officer is allowed to call witnesses in the investigation. The case pertains to issuing mining leases in violation of the e-tendering process. Allahabad High Court had ordered investigation into the matter.

Akhilesh Yadav also held the mining portfolio during his tenure as Chief Minister. At that time, during 2012–16, officials allowed illegal mining and illegally renewed licenses despite a ban on mining by the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

Following directions from the Allahabad High Court, the CBI had registered seven FIRs in 2016 to investigate illegal mining cases.

According to officials, the agency was accused of approving 13 projects in a single day during the tenure of then Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.

Regarding this notice, Akhilesh Yadav attacked BJP and said that when elections come, BJP government sends notices through agencies.

He further said that BJP targets SP the most. I was given notice in 2019 also, now when elections are near I have been given notice again.