The state government has handed over investigation into alleged financial irregularities into the constructions of memorials and parks constructed during previous Mayawati regime to UP Lokayukta.
The state vigilance department in its notification on July 10, 2012 said that the services of economic offence wing (EOW) would be available to the Lokayukta for this purpose. The state government had recently extended the tenure of Lokayukta Justice (retd) NK Mehrotra.
The director mining department had submitted his report to the government on April 2, 2012 in connection with the bungling in purchase of sand stone from Mirzapur, Sonebhadra, Bayana (Bharatpur) and Jaipur in Rajasthan for the constructions of these memorials in Lucknow and Noida between 2007 and 2011. The sand stones were used in these memorials.
The government while referring the case to the Lokayukta said that apart from probing into the conduct of public servants, the agency would also investigate the corruption charges against other people.
With the widening of scope of the investigation, the government has targeted senior BSP leaders who were powerful ministers during previous regime. Significantly the government has also allowed the Lokayukta take the services of EOW, which is an investigative wing headed by a DG level officer of the police department. As per the notification the Lokayukta would himself decide action plan.
During Mayawati regime the government had constructed Ambedkar Smarak, Kanshi Ram Smarak, Baudh Vidhar Shanti Upvan, Kanshi Ram eco-garden, Kanshi Ram Sanskriti sthal, Rama Bai Ambekdar sthal, Prateek Stahl Samta Moolak Chauraha in Lucknow and Dalit Prerna Sthal and Green Garden on an area of 33 acre in Noida. As per the government records the total cost of these memorials was Rs 5919 crore.
{{/usCountry}}During Mayawati regime the government had constructed Ambedkar Smarak, Kanshi Ram Smarak, Baudh Vidhar Shanti Upvan, Kanshi Ram eco-garden, Kanshi Ram Sanskriti sthal, Rama Bai Ambekdar sthal, Prateek Stahl Samta Moolak Chauraha in Lucknow and Dalit Prerna Sthal and Green Garden on an area of 33 acre in Noida. As per the government records the total cost of these memorials was Rs 5919 crore.
{{/usCountry}}Immediately after installation of the SP government in March 2012 the chief minister Akhilesh Yadav had announced to conduct probe into massive financial irregularities in the constructions of these memorials.
Thereafter the PWD minister Shivpal Yadav took series of action against the officers allegedly involved in the construction scandal. A Public interest litigation (PIL) has also been filed in the matter in which the petitioner CB Pandey has sought to know the action taken by the government in the scam. The government has been asked to reply within one week.