CM Yogi Adityanath remits enquiry in bribe charge against Principal Secretary SP Goel

Lucknow, June 8: Known for combatting corruption in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has always seen to it that the state is out of this matter. But a recent allegation over the Principal Secretary SP Goel of taking bribe has led the Chief Minister to order a probe over the allegation. CM Yogi Adityanath directed the Chief Secretary Rajeev Kumar to probe into the matter of alleged corruption charges against the secretary.

 

The allegation charges of corruption were cited by a Lucknow resident Abhishekh Gupta who wanted a land to set up a petrol pump and has allegedly demanded Rs 25 lakh as a bribe. Lucknow’s senior superintendent of police Deepak Kumar confirmed Abhishek Gupta has been taken into custody for interrogation for “defaming the state government and leveling false allegations against principal secretary SP Goel”.

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath ordered a probe asking for the “factual position” in the allegation against the principal secretary. Adityanath also asked chief secretary Rajive Kumar to apprise him of the facts related to the allegations. The Lucknow police have lodged an FIR against Abhishekh Gupta on the complaint of an office bearer of BJP's UP unit. He has been detained for interrogation.

Abhishek Gupta had written a letter to Governor Ram Naik highlighting him over the matter and the governor thereby moved the letter to Chief Minister for necessary actions. In the letter dated on April 30, last month, Governor Ram Naik wrote that the person named Abhishekh Gupta needed land for setting up a petrol pump and the principal secretary SP Goel demanded a bribe of Rs. 25 lakhs to provide land for broadening of the main road and he is not able to set up the petrol pump due to delay in decision on the representation.

The governor, therefore, attempted to seek appropriate action against this matter. The letter comes at a time when Adityanath is cracking down on corruption in the state. The chief minister on Thursday suspended the district magistrates of Fatehpur and Gonda for alleged irregularities in wheat purchase and distribution of food grains.