In a major crackdown on corruption, the Uttar Pradesh government has suspended 2006-batch IAS officer Abhishek Prakash, who was serving as the secretary of the Industrial Development Department and CEO of Invest UP. The suspension follows allegations of a massive bribery demand in a solar energy project.
Rs 400 Crore Commission Demand in Solar Project
A controversy erupted when SFL Solar Private Limited, a company manufacturing solar energy components, proposed an investment of Rs 8,000 crore. Allegations surfaced that a commission of 5%—amounting to Rs 400 crore—was demanded to facilitate the project. Following this, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took strict action and ordered the suspension of Abhishek Prakash.
36-page Report Sent to the Center
Sources reveal that the Uttar Pradesh government has sent a 36-page charge sheet to the central government detailing the allegations against the suspended IAS officer. In response, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has initiated a departmental inquiry against him.
Connection with Illegal Extortion Case
Suspended IAS Abhishek Prakash’s legal troubles are likely to worsen, as sources indicate that Nikant Jain, who was arrested in an illegal extortion case, has admitted to extorting Rs 1.05 crore from the solar company. Further, it is alleged that an additional Rs 5 crore was demanded. Jain’s statement has strengthened suspicions of Prakash’s involvement in the scandal.
Rs 1,500 Crore Government Land Scam in Meerut
Another major scam has surfaced from Meerut, where Abhishek Prakash, during his tenure as Industrial Development Secretary, is accused of irregularities concerning government land worth Rs 1,500 crore. The scam involves the controversial cancellation of the lease for Modi Rubber’s land.
Reports suggest that Modi Rubber sold grant lease land to Continental Tyre, facilitating the sale of government land worth billions to a German company. The Divisional Commissioner had flagged the issue, and the District Magistrate recommended action. However, Prakash allegedly sat on the file for three years, delaying the necessary legal proceedings.
Sources claim that this corruption in Meerut was carried out through broker Nikant Jain, who played a key role in executing the land deal.
Government Intensifies Action
The Yogi Adityanath government has taken a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption. With the ongoing departmental inquiry and strong evidence surfacing, further action is expected against the suspended IAS officer. The case is likely to unfold more details in the coming days as investigations continue.
