Lucknow: In a major development, the Uttar Pradesh government has suspended Abhishek Prakash (IAS: 2006: UP), the CEO of Invest UP and former District Magistrate of Lucknow, following serious bribery allegations. The suspension comes after it was revealed that Prakash allegedly sought a 5% commission from an industrialist to facilitate the setting up of a solar plant in the state.
According to reports, an FIR was registered at the Gomti Nagar Police Station on Thursday after the Special Task Force (STF) arrested Prakash’s clerk, Nikant Jain, who was found to be acting as an intermediary. An industrialist had filed a complaint with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, alleging that the officer demanded a bribe for the approval of the solar plant project. The plant’s progress was reportedly stalled due to the officer’s refusal to move forward without receiving the demanded commission.
Further investigation revealed that Nikant Jain, Prakash’s employee, confessed to the police about the bribery request, implicating the suspended IAS officer. The Uttar Pradesh government has also initiated a departmental inquiry into the matter.
Abhishek Prakash, currently holding the position of Secretary of the Department of Industrial Development and CEO of Invest UP, is facing increasing scrutiny. This incident comes after previous reports of a Rs 20 crore scam involving Prakash in land allotment issues within the Defence Corridor in Lucknow.
As investigations unfold, this case highlights the growing concerns over corruption within government departments and the steps being taken to hold officials accountable.
