Kanpur: A transport businessman from Hamirpur filed a complaint against a mining officer, accusing him of demanding bribe of Rs 10 lakh and physical violence. The injured trader was shifted to Kanpur for treatment after initial care at the district hospital.
The district magistrate has ordered a probe by a two-member panel, whilst the accused officer denies the charges.
Mahesh Sharma of Gauradevi area, who runs a gravel transport business, stated in his complaint that mining officer Vashistha Yadav was making illegal monetary demands. Sharma alleged that he had already given Rs 3 lakh and a gold chain to the officer during Diwali, but the officer demanded Rs 10 lakh more.
On Saturday around 11pm, the officer allegedly stopped Sharma and his driver, reiterating his demand, and hit Sharma's head with a stick when he refused the demand politely.
The mining officer, however, disputes these accusations, stating that on Saturday night, he impounded four lorries— two at Laxmibai Tiraha and two near Sahurapur. He reports informing CO Sadar about a suspicious SUV trailing his vehicle. The police have seized the vehicle which was later identified as belonging to Mahesh Sharma. The officer claimed that the accusations are retaliatory to avoid enforcement action.
CO Sadar Rajesh Kamal validates the police action regarding the SUV that was following the officer.
ADM finance and revenue Vijay Shankar Tiwari confirmed the DM's appointment of himself and the ASP to conduct the investigation, with the report to be presented to the DM.