Lokayukta starts probe against UP minister

Lokayukta justice (retd) NK Mehrotra, whose adverse remarks have caused the exit of 10 ministers in UP, has started a probe against BSP minister Naseemuddin Siddiqui for alleged irregularities in floating liquor tenders.

Lokayukta justice (retd) NK Mehrotra, whose adverse remarks have caused the exit of 10 ministers in UP, has started a probe against BSP minister Naseemuddin Siddiqui for alleged irregularities in floating liquor tenders.

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Siddiqui, an influential minister, is in overall charge of 18 departments including excise and prohibition.

Recently, chief minister Mayawati had rejected the recommendation of the lokayukta on a CBI probe against Siddiqui in a disproportionate assets case.

Vinay Kumar Mishra, a native of Allahabad district, in his petition to the lokayukta has alleged the excise department handed over the liquor trade in the state to Blue Water Company for the year 2007-08 without floating a tender.

“There was some unholy deal between Siddiqui and the owner of the Blue Water company, Gurdeep Singh Chadha alias Ponty Chadha,” Mishra said.

Talking to HT, justice Mehrotra said, “I sought reply from Naseemuddin Siddiqui, the excise commissioner and officers of the UP Sugar Federation. I have received the reply from Siddiqui and (am) examining it. Excise commissioner Mahesh Gupta told me complaints of overrating of the liquor bottle were received by his office too."