CBI court drops proceedings against Mayawati in THC scam

Lucknow, June 5 (UNI) A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court today dropped proceedings against UP Chief Minister Mayawati in the multi-crore Taj Heritage Corridor (THC) scam as Governor T V Rajeswar refused sanction to prosecute her.

Earlier today, the CBI had informed the special court (anti-corruption) that the Governor has refused his sanction to prosecute the Bahujan Samaj Party president and state minister Nasim-u-ddin Siddique. But at the same time, proceedings against four-other accused would continue.

In view of the absence of the permission to prosecute Ms Mayawati, the THC case posted for hearing by a special CBI court (anti-corruption) today, was deferred till July 5.

The decision is being seen as a setback to the CBI and a reprieve for the BSP supremo.

The CBI had investigated the case and collected evidence against Ms Mayawati, then cabinet minister Naseem-ud-din Siddiqui and four others.

On February 15, 2007, the central agency had submitted its report and all the evidence in the court of special CBI court (anti-corruption) judge Rekha Dikshit.

The CBI had earlier prayed for the UP Governor's consent to proceed against the accused in the case.

UNI