CPI to hold protests across UP over IAS officer Durga Sakthi Nagpal's suspension

LUCKNOW: Communist Party of India would hold protests all over Uttar Pradesh on August 7 demanding revocation of suspension order of IAS officer Durga Sakthi Nagpal, who had cracked down on illegal mining in the state.

It would also demand immediate check on illegal mining and cancellation of the charge sheet issued to Nagpal by UP authorities yesterday.

"The party would hold protests at all the district headquarters and hand over memorandum to respective district magistrates addressed to Governor B L Joshi demanding immediate check on illegal mining, which is damaging the environment, action against mining mafia and revocation of Nagpal's suspension," state secretary of CPI, Girish said in a statement.

"The fake charge sheet issued to Nagpal should be cancelled," he said.

Nagpal, the 28-year-old SDM of Gautam Budh Nagar, who led the crackdown on sand mining mafia in her district, was suspended on July 27 ostensibly for ordering demolition of a wall of an under-construction mosque allegedly without following the due process. She belonged to the UP cadre.

Girish said CPI would demand an inquiry into the communal clashes taking place in the state and stern action on the rioters.

Alleging that the Akhilesh Yadav government was acting "stubborn" over the suspension issue, he said if the Chief Minister wanted to send a message, he should act sternly against those indulging in unlawful activities and bring the "derailed" law and order situation of the state back on track.

The action on Nagpal has only encouraged corrupt and mafia elements, he said.