Gov denies sanction to prosecute Mayawati

Lucknow, Jun 5: Uttar Pradesh Governor T V Rajeswar has denied permission to prosecute Chief Minister Mayawati in the multi-crore Taj Heritage Corridor (THC) case. 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, has been deferred till July 5 for the next hearing.

When asked about the impending Governor's sanction for the prosecution, the Raj Bhawan sources confirmed this to sources that the same had been denied.

The decision is being seen as a body blow to the CBI.

The CBI had investigated the case and collected evidence against Ms Mayawati, state 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