CBI summons Akhilesh Yadav in UP's 5-year-old illegal mining case

• CBI summons SP chief Akhilesh Yadav in a five-year-old illegal mining case in Uttar Pradesh
• Yadav asked to appear before the probe agency on February 29 as a witness
• Allegations include clearing 13 mining projects in a day in violation of e-tendering rules during his tenure as CM

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has summoned Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav in connection with a five-year-old illegal mining case in Uttar Pradesh. Yadav has been asked to join the investigation as a witness before the probe agency on February 29. This development comes as a significant development in the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in mining activities during Yadav's tenure as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

The summon, issued under section 160 of CrPC, allows the police to ask witnesses in a probe to depose in front of them. The illegal mining case in Uttar Pradesh revolves around the issuance of mining leases, allegedly done in violation of the e-tendering process. It was alleged that between 2012 and 2016, public servants, in collusion with others, permitted illegal mining of Minor Minerals in UP's Hamirpur district. Furthermore, the accused were accused of renewing licenses unlawfully despite a ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on mining activities in the region. Additionally, officials were accused of allowing mineral theft and extorting money from lease-holders and drivers.

The CBI's investigation points to Akhilesh Yadav's alleged involvement in the case. It is reported that on February 17, 2013, when Yadav was the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, he cleared 13 mining projects in a single day, allegedly bypassing the mandatory e-tendering process. What adds to the scrutiny is that Yadav was also the Minister of Mining during the period of 2012-13, raising questions about his role in the alleged irregularities.