No hand of mining mafia in SDM's suspension: UP Minister

Uttar Pradesh government today asserted there was no hand of mining mafia in the suspension of SDM Durga Shakti Nagpal, saying action was taken against her for getting wall of a religious place demolished, which led to communal tension in the area.

"Misconception has been spread that there is hand of mining mafia in suspension of the SDM. The fact is that she was suspended for getting wall of a religious place demolished in Kadalpur village in Raubpura area, Gautam Budh Nagar, without following legal process," Cabinet minister Shivpal Yadav told reporters in reply to a question.

"There was no problem to the land owner on construction of wall on his land, but some persons were conspiring to orchestrate communal riots there," Yadav said, defending the government's decision.

The "conspirators", Yadav said, made false complaint to Nagpal that there was some dispute on construction of wall and the officer trusted them and got it demolished, leading to communal tension in the area.

"The government will not spare any lax officer and action has been initiated against Nagpal...There was no hand of mining mafia in the suspension," he said.

When asked whether suspension of Nagpal will be revoked, Yadav said, "No nothing as such now...It's an administrative matter...".

Meanwhile, when asked about Nagpal's suspension, UPCC president Nirmal Khatri said, "The said officer goes to the spot where a wall was being constructed and taking a highly emotional decision, orders pulling it down and we do not appreciate it."

He, however, alleged that some SP leaders were involved in illegal mining and the government had "under a conspiracy" got her suspended.

He also alleged that an official senior to her was also involved in it.

Yadav said his government was not giving shelter to those involved in illegal mining and strict action will be initiated against those involved in it.

Nagpal, who was suspended on July 27, yesterday reported to the Revenue Board, where she was attached after suspension.

28-year-old Nagpal, who is 2009 batch IAS officer of Punjab cadre, was shifted to UP cadre in August last year.

Nagpal had cracked down on illegal mining activities in the district and got over two dozen FIRs registered against those involved in illegal sand mining in Gautam Budh Nagar.