No other single scam in India’s history has seen registration of FIRs against so many persons and this could also be worrisome for the Akhilesh Singh Yadav government as the list includes a minister in his council. Those who looked after public distribution system and their associates during the BSP regime headed by Mayawati are also in the dock.
Responding to an application filed by advocate Vishwanath Chaturvedi, who alleged there was rampant diversion of foodgrains worth Rs 2 lakh crore in the state since the year 2002, CBI said it has chargesheeted former SP MLA Om Prakash Gupta of Sitapur and has now searched premises of brothers of Vinod Kumar Singh aka Pandit Singh. Vinod Kumar Singh was a minister in Mulayam Singh Yadav government in 2003 and is now a minister in Akhilesh Singh Yadav’s ministry. The CBI said: "In the case pertaining to Gonda, searches have been made in 14 places including the premises of Narendra Singh and Mahesh Singh, brothers of Vinod Kumar Singh alias Pandi Singh ex-minister of UP and 2 middlemen /financers have been held."
"In Lucknow district, searches have been conducted at five places including Daljeet Singh, a transporter/financer, whose role has surfaced as the kingpin of foodgrain scam case," the CBI said. Chaturvedi had alleged that CBI has not taken action against Daljeet Singh because of his proximity to Union ministers and UP Congress president.
Refuting Chaturvedi’s allegations, CBI said it has carried out and "undertakes to carry out investigations in a most scientific and professional manner, uninfluenced by the position of the suspects and accused."