State govt chargsheets suspended Invest UP CEO in Rs 58-crore scam

The Uttar Pradesh government has handed over a chargesheet to suspended CEO of the Invest UP Abhishek Prakash.

The Appointment and Personnel Department issued the chargesheet in a Rs 58-crore scam in the acquisition of land for a defence corridor in Bhatgaon, Lucknow and demand of a bribe of about Rs 400 crore from the investor in the name of investment in the Invest UP.

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The senior IAS officer, who is accused of committing the scam, allegedly acquired the land while he was the district magistrate of Lucknow. The scam pertains to the distribution of compensation.

The Board of Revenue submitted its investigation report to the chief minister last year itself.

Sources said here on Tuesday that there are serious allegations of taking huge bribes from investors in the name of dealing in the Invest UP against Abhishek Prakash. He is accused of violating economic discipline while holding an influential position.

After receiving a complaint against Abhishek Prakash, the chief minister instituted an investigation by the STF. After the allegations were confirmed, he was suspended on March 20 on the instructions of CM Yogi Adityanath.

It took three months for the government to issue the chargesheet to Abhishek. Experts believe his troubles may increase with the issuance of the chargesheet as the path to his reinstatement will be blocked.

An open investigation is also being conducted by the Vigilance against Abhishek Prakash in a disproportionate assets case. The Vigilance may also submit its report to the government soon.