New Delhi : Facing heat over the alleged involvement of controversial Uttar Pradesh Minister Raja Bhaiya in the murder of DSP Zia-ul-Haq in mob violence in Pratapgarh district on Saturday, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has assured that a “just and impartial” action would be taken against those responsible.
“Action will be taken. Anybody who is accused no matter how big the person is he will be sent to jail. A CBI probe will be ordered,” Akhilesh said told the officer’s wife Parveen Azad.
A controversial figure, 44-year-old Raja Bhaiya was literally forced to step down as a minister after complaints of his alleged role in the killing of the DSP; he was booked for the alleged conspiracy and is facing a possible arrest.
Raja Bhaiya, a five-time Independent MLA from Kunda, was Food and Civil Supplies minister in Akhilesh cabinet. He has been named in the FIR along with four others and accused of conspiracy to murder the DSP.
Zia-ul-Haq, posted as Circle Officer at Kunda town, was killed by a mob in Pratapgarh on Saturday when he had rushed there during the course of his duty after a village head was shot dead over a land dispute.
Pleading innocence, Raja Bhaiya rejected the charge that he had an old score to settle with Zia. “Had I been so opposed to the CO I would have easily got him transferred instead of getting him murdered”, he said.
Shortly after he resigned, Raja Bhaiya made a statement in the Assembly demanding a CBI inquiry and reiterated he was ready to go to jail to save embarassment to the Samajwadi Party government.
Eight policemen including the Inspector at Kunda police station in Pratapgarh district were also suspended for fleeing the spot when the DSP was being attacked.