'FIR 5 years ago, sudden notice before elections', Akhilesh replied on CBI summons

The Samajwadi Party chief, Akhilesh Yadav, refrains from appearing before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today in response to the summons issued in connection with the mining scam case. Akhilesh Yadav, expressing willingness to cooperate with the investigation, demands that the officers visit Lucknow for interrogation rather than him going to Delhi. Akhilesh Yadav says that I am ready to cooperate in the investigation but the officers should come to Lucknow. He has said this after not going to Delhi. Along with this, he has also raised questions on the action of CBI in his reply. It is said that an FIR has been registered in this matter in 2019, but no information has been sought in this matter in the last 5 years, now suddenly CBI has sent a notice before the Lok Sabha elections.

The CBI summons Akhilesh Yadav in connection with the illegal mining case, alleging violations of the e-tender process in issuing mining leases during 2012-16 when he served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. The investigation, ordered by the Allahabad High Court, focuses on accusations of public servants allowing illegal mining activities and illicit renewal of licenses despite a ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Additionally, the agency alleges that Akhilesh Yadav's office approved multiple projects on a single day, including 13 leases, in violation of established procedures, raising further scrutiny on his tenure as the mining portfolio holder.