UP govt refuses CBI probe into Ghazipur blast

Lucknow, June 27 (UNI) The Uttar Pradesh government today refused the demand for a CBI probe into the blast at the residence of former BJP MLA late Krishnanand Rai in Ghazipur yesterday, in which a police gunner was killed and three others injured.

The demand for a CBI probe was made by the BJP in the assembly and supported by other parties after the former said the blast was the handiwork of criminal elements trying to kill the witness and family members of the slain BJP MLA.

However, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Lalji Verma ruled out a CBI probe and said the ''occupants of the House were themselves responsible for the blast'', leading to stormy scenes and a walkout by the BJP members.

He said a criminal from Bihar was apprehended along with the nephew of the former BJP MLA in the blast. ''They were preparing the explosives to be used for eleminating an MLA,'' he added.

''Police has already probed the matter and a magesterial investigation is underway in the case.'' Raising the issue through an adjournment motion, BJP leader Omprakash Singh said a high-level probe should be ordered.

Congress leader Pramod Tiwari said the a probe was required as it concerned threats to the life of an MLA.

Independent MLA Mukhtar Ansari, who was allegedly the target of the arrested people, also asked for a high-level probe or an investigation by the Special Task Force(STF) of the UP police.

'' I am ready to resign from the assembly, if found involved in yesterday's blast at the residence of late Mr Rai,'' he said.

Alleging that some ''big BJP leaders'' were behind a conspiracy to eliminate him, he said they wanted to create communal disturbances in the state.

UNI