Lucknow: The noose has tightened around suspended IAS officer Abhishek Prakash (2006 batch, Uttar Pradesh cadre) as the state government has issued a formal charge sheet against him in connection with a high-profile bribery scandal during his tenure as CEO of Invest UP.
The charge sheet follows an internal probe into allegations that Prakash, while holding the top post at Invest UP, demanded a bribe through an intermediary from a solar energy company seeking to establish a power plant in Uttar Pradesh.
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Details of the Case
According to official sources, the company had submitted an online proposal to set up a solar power project in the state. It is alleged that Prakash, via a broker, demanded 5% of the total project cost as bribe to facilitate necessary approvals. The firm refused to pay and subsequently lodged a formal complaint with the Chief Minister’s Office, prompting swift action.
On March 20, 2025, the Yogi Adityanath government suspended Abhishek Prakash, pending a detailed inquiry.
Charge Sheet Demands Response in 15 Days
The charge sheet handed to Prakash outlines the specific allegations and evidence collected during the preliminary investigation. The suspended officer has been directed to submit a written reply within 15 days, failing which the matter will proceed without his input.
Once his response is received, the government will appoint an inquiry officer to lead a departmental probe and determine further disciplinary or legal action.
From High Office to Suspension
Abhishek Prakash has previously served in several key administrative positions in Uttar Pradesh and was considered a rising bureaucrat. However, the allegations and the resulting suspension have cast a shadow over his career.
The case has sparked significant attention in both administrative and political circles, with calls for greater transparency and accountability in investment facilitation agencies like Invest UP.
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Next Steps
With a formal investigation process now underway, the future of Abhishek Prakash in civil service hangs in the balance. Depending on the outcome of the inquiry, the state government could recommend penalties ranging from a censure to dismissal from service and potential criminal prosecution.
