Thaindian News

Lucknow, Oct 4 (IANS) After getting two ministers sacked, Uttar Pradesh Lokayukta Justice (retd) N.K. Mehrotra Tuesday recommended removal of yet another minister facing charges of large scale corruption and of amassing wealth far disproportionate to his legitimate sources of income.

“Secondary Education Minister Rangnath Misra has been found to be indulging in large scale corruption, bribery and amassing huge assets. He therefore deserves to be removed from the state council of ministers,” Mehrotra told media persons here.

In his report sent to Chief Minister Mayawati, the Lokayukta has said: “While several charges against him have already been proved, there were certain allegations about him having acquired assets in Uttarakhand and in Mumbai, which merit further investigation by a central agency like the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation); but it is important that he is removed from the council of ministers before that so that he cannot continue to influence such investigation.”

Drawing the chief minister’s attention to the irregularities committed by the minister, the Lokayukta said that “a preliminary inquiry carried out by us has clearly established that the minister had made illegal money in appointment of teachers and other staff in the departments under him”.

“We also have reason to believe that the minister indulged in blatant misuse of his constituency fund,” he said.

Mayawati has earlier sacked two ministers indicted by the Lokayukta, who confirmed their involvement in financial irregularities and corrupt practices. These were Avadhpal Singh Yadav, who was dairy development and animal husbandry minister and Rajesh Tripathi, minister of state for religious endowments.

Three more ministers of the Mayawati government are also being investigated by the Lokayukta.