Vigilance Inquiry Ordered Against Suspended IAS Officer Abhishek Prakash in Corruption Case:

The Uttar Pradesh government has initiated a vigilance inquiry against suspended IAS officer Abhishek Prakash. The inquiry will examine his financial assets and income. A vigilance team will investigate properties acquired during his tenures in Bareilly, Pilibhit, Hamirpur, and Lucknow. While serving as District Magistrate of Lucknow, Abhishek Prakash also held the position of Vice Chairman of the Lucknow Development Authority, and his activities in this role will also be reviewed.

Suspension Over Corruption Allegations

Abhishek Prakash, a 2006 batch IAS officer and CEO of 'Invest UP', was suspended on Thursday due to allegations of corruption. His suspension followed a complaint by a solar industry investor, who claimed that a middleman demanded a commission on behalf of the officer. The accused middleman, Nikant Jain, was arrested in connection with the case.

Role of 'Invest UP' and Arrest of Middleman

'Invest UP' is the state’s investment facilitation body, tasked with attracting investments to Uttar Pradesh. Abhishek Prakash was serving as its CEO. Officials reported that middleman Nikant Jain solicited a bribe from an entrepreneur for project approval. He was arrested near Shaheed Path in the Gomti Nagar area of Lucknow and is now under investigation.

Details of the FIR and Bribery Claims

According to the FIR, the investor had submitted a proposal for a solar manufacturing unit via 'Invest UP'. Following an evaluation, the investor was directed to contact Nikant Jain, who allegedly demanded a five percent commission to facilitate the project’s clearance through the empowered committee and the state cabinet. Jain also reportedly pressured the applicant to pay in advance and warned that the project would stall without his assistance.

Previous Fraud Allegations Against Nikant Jain

Police records indicate that Nikant Jain has a prior history of financial fraud. Multiple cases are pending against him in Meerut, Lucknow, and Etah. Authorities are now investigating his potential involvement in additional illegal activities and are also working to identify other individuals linked to him. The government has assured the investor that their project will proceed without delay and reiterated its stance on promoting transparent investment practices.