Lokayukta issues notice to UP minister

Lucknow, Nov 17: The Uttar Pradesh Lokayukta has issued notice to state Transport Minister Ram Acahl Rajbhar on charges of having disproportionate assets. Lokayukta Justice N K Mehrotra has directed Rajbhar to file a reply within 14 days on a complaint lodged against him, official sources said here.

The inquiry has been initiated on a complaint lodged by Anand Kumar Dwiwedi, a native of Ambedkar Nagar district, who has accused the minister of acquiring assets in the name of his relatives and beyond the known sources of his income.

The complainant has submitted a list of such properties before the Lokayukta along with his complaint, the sources said. The Lokayukta has informed Chief Minister Mayawati about the inquiry against the minister and sought a report from Ambedkar Nagar district administration in this regard.

Four ministers Rajesh Tripathi, Awadhpal Singh, Rangnath Mishra and Badshah Singh have already been removed on the basis of the Lokayukta's report. Meanwhile, the Lokayukta has closed inquiry against four legislators, including three of ruling BSP and one of BJP.

PTI