The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has issued a summons for Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav to appear as a witness on Thursday, February 29, concerning the illegal mining case in Uttar Pradesh. Akhilesh Yadav has been requested to participate in the investigation as a witness before the probe agency on the specified date.

The illegal mining case in Uttar Pradesh revolves around granting mining leases, purportedly in contravention of the e-tendering process. The accusations suggest that between 2012 and 2016, public servants, in collaboration with other accused individuals, facilitated the unauthorized mining of Minor Minerals in the Hamirpur district. This allegedly included the illicit renewal of licenses, despite a ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on mining activities. Additionally, there are allegations that the implicated officers permitted mineral theft and engaged in extortion from leaseholders and drivers.

On Wednesday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) called upon Akhilesh Yadav, the leader of the Samajwadi Party (SP), regarding his involvement in a five-year-old illegal mining case in Uttar Pradesh. Utilizing Section 160 of the CrPC, the agency issued a notice instructing him to present himself on February 29 concerning the case filed in 2019, as per officials. This section enables a police officer to summon witnesses during an investigation, and the directive follows an order from the Allahabad High Court mandating the inquiry.

Reports indicate that illegal mining was permitted between 2012 and 2016, during Yadav's tenure as chief minister. Licenses were allegedly unlawfully renewed despite a ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal on mining activities.

The agency had claimed that the office of the then chief minister, Akhilesh Yadav, approved 13 projects in a single day, according to officials. They stated that Yadav, who also briefly held the mining portfolio, sanctioned 14 leases, with 13 being approved on February 17, 2013, in contravention of the e-tendering process.