UP guv Naik asks Akhilesh to clarify why Prajapati is still in the cabinet

LUCKNOW: Governor Ram Naik on Sunday sought a clarification from chief minister Akhilesh Yadav over rape accused Gayatri Prajapati’s continuation as minister in his cabinet.

In the letter to the CM, Naik said: “A non-bailable warrant has been issued against Prajapati after an FIR was registered against him in a rape case. Serious question of constitutional propriety and dignity arises on his remaining in the cabinet.” He asked “what is the justification for retaining the minister.”

Naik said as per media reports, a look-out notice had been issued against Prajapati, (fearing that he might flee from the country) and his passport, too, has been suspended.

“Prajapati being a cabinet minister under the circumstances is a serious matter,” Naik added.

The governor said it has also come to his notice that Akhilesh himself asked the minister to surrender, but he has not done so till now and is absconding. “There are apprehensions that he might have fled to some foreign country,” he said.

Former SP leader Amar Shah, at a rally in Ambedkar Nagar on Sunday, said: “How could a CM ask someone to surrender? It is his government’s job and the police to arrest him. It is absurd.” On Saturday, the passport of Prajapati, who had contested the Amethi seat in the ongoing assembly elections, was suspended and a look-out notice issued against him, hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused SP-Congress of chanting “Gayatri Prajapati mantra”.

On the directives of the Supreme Court, UP police had filed an FIR against Prajapati in connection with cases of gangrape and attempt to rape a woman and her minor daughter.