Synopsis
The Uttar Pradesh government has suspended IAS officer Abhishek Prakash, CEO of Invest UP, amid corruption allegations. An intermediary was accused of demanding bribes for project approvals, leading to an investigation and arrests. The government reaffirms its commitment to combating corruption and ensuring a transparent environment for investors.Key Takeaways
- Abhishek Prakash suspended over corruption claims.
- Nikant Jain arrested for demanding bribes.
- Invest UP functions as the state's investment agency.
- Government emphasizes zero tolerance on corruption.
- Ongoing investigations into fraudulent activities.
Lucknow, March 20 (NationPress) The Uttar Pradesh administration has taken the significant step of suspending Abhishek Prakash, a senior IAS officer and the CEO of Invest UP, due to serious corruption and irregularities related to project approvals.
This decision was prompted by a complaint lodged by an investor in the solar sector, alleging that an intermediary, Nikant Jain, was soliciting a commission to expedite project clearances.
Prakash, who belongs to the IAS batch of 2006, was swiftly dismissed from his role, while Jain was apprehended the same day in the vicinity of Shahid Path, located in Gomti Nagar, as confirmed by police reports.
The government statement indicated that Prakash's actions represent a breach of Rule-3 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules-1968.
Invest UP, which was under Prakash's leadership prior to his suspension, functions as the state’s dedicated agency for promoting investments.
Jain, who allegedly acted as a middleman, was arrested near Shahid Path in Lucknow. He faces serious charges, including extortion under BNS Section 308(5) and provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Authorities have also discovered a troubling history of fraudulent activities associated with Jain, with several pending cases in Meerut, Lucknow, and Etah.
The complaint revealed that Jain had requested a 5 percent commission to facilitate approvals through various bureaucratic channels, including the Empowered Committee and the state Cabinet.
The FIR states that an industrial consortium expressed interest in establishing solar manufacturing facilities in the state via Invest UP.
It further indicates that Jain orchestrated intentional delays as a tactic to pressure the complainant into compliance.
Current investigations aim to ascertain Jain's involvement in similar schemes and to identify any potential accomplices.
The Uttar Pradesh government has reiterated its firm dedication to combating corruption, emphasizing a policy of zero tolerance towards unethical practices.
Officials have assured the complainant that the investment initiative will progress smoothly, highlighting their commitment to creating a transparent and fair environment for industrial advancement.
The authorities remain resolute in their efforts to maintain integrity and foster investor trust within the state, with ongoing investigations to unveil any complicity among officials or others connected to Jain.
