UP lokayukta Justice N.K. Mehrotra on Monday recommended a CBI (and/or ED) inquiry against former BSP minister Babu Singh Kushwaha.
Talking to reporters here Monday, the lokayukta said: “There were three complaints against Babu Singh Kushwaha prima facie true. A probe by the CBI and/or the ED is needed since (it involves) money laundering and corruption charges. I recommended a FIR under the Prevention of Corruption Act and Money Laundering Act be registered against the former minister.”
The lokayukta said he had sent his recommendation to the chief minister, and it was up to her to take action.
The minister is alleged to have allotted mining leases to his own men, inviting dummy applications through advertisements in little-known newspapers confined to Banda and Mahoba; of giving mining leases without the Union environment ministry’s permission and allowing the use of prohibited machines.
Another complaint is over parking money in five societies and partnership firms registered in Lucknow, Kanpur and Jhansi with jurisdiction in these three districts, besides Banda. A third alleges Mr Kushwaha and his wife acquired wealth under two different names.
The lokayukta said Mr Kushwaha didn’t file any reply on the first two counts; while his reply on the third was unsigned.