One more UP cabinet minister under Lok Ayukta scanner

Another cabinet minister of Mayawati government in Uttar Pradesh has come under the scanner of the state Lok Ayukta for alleged misuse of office, taking the total number of BSP ministers currently being probed by the anti-graft ombudsman to six.

"An inquiry has been started against Minister of State for Ambedkar Gram Vikas, Ratan Lal Ahriwar, and a notice has been issued to him," Lok Ayukta Justice NK Mehrotra said here today.

The chief minister has been informed about the inquiry and Ahriwar has been asked to submit his reply by November 14, he said.

The move comes after Jhansi resident Kamlapati Rai in a complaint accused the minister of land grabbing and misuse of local area development fund, officials said.

The Lok Ayukta had sought a report from Jhansi district administration in this regard, which was received yesterday, they said.

A number of allegations levelled against Ahriwar by the complainant were confirmed by the administration after which an inquiry has been initiated against him, they said.

A total of six UP ministers are currently under the Lok Ayukta's scanner for alleged misuse of office, land grabbing and disproportionate assets.

An inquiry was recently initiated against UP Energy Minister Ramveer Upadhyaya for allegedly amassing disproportionate wealth.

Four ministers Rajesh Tripathi, Awadhpal Singh, Rangnath Mishra and Badshah Singh have already been removed on the basis of the Lok Ayukta's report.