Lucknow, March 20 (IANS) The Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday suspended senior IAS officer and Invest UP CEO Abhishek Prakash over allegations of corruption and irregularities in project approvals.

The action came after a complaint from a solar industry investor; who accused an intermediary, Nikant Jain, of demanding a commission to facilitate project clearances.

Prakash, a 2006-batch IAS officer, was promptly removed from his position, while Jain was arrested the same day near Shahid Path, in Gomti Nagar, the police said.

Prima facie, the act of Prakash; according to a government statement, is a violation of Rule-3 of All India Services (Conduct) Rules-1968.

Invest UP, under the stewardship of Prakash until his suspension, serves as the state’s dedicated investment promotion agency.

Jain, allegedly operating as a middleman, was arrested near Shahid Path in Lucknow. Charges brought against him include extortion under BNS Section 308(5) and sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Authorities have also uncovered a shadowed history of fraudulent activity tied to Jain, with pending cases across Meerut, Lucknow, and Etah.

The complaint detailed that Jain demanded a 5 per cent commission to facilitate approvals through bureaucratic channels, including the Empowered Committee and the state Cabinet.

According to the FIR, an industrial group had expressed intention to set up a solar manufacturing units in the state through Invest UP.

The FIR also indicates that refusal by the complainant resulted in deliberate delays designed by Jain to compel compliance. Investigations are now underway to determine Jain's involvement in similar activities and to identify any accomplices.

The government of Uttar Pradesh reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to eradicating corruption, highlighting its "zero tolerance" policy towards malpractices.

Officials assured the complainant that the investment project would proceed without impediment, underscoring their determination to cultivate a transparent and equitable environment for industrial growth.

Authorities remain steadfast in their mission to uphold integrity and foster investor confidence within the state. Investigations are ongoing to uncover any complicity among officials or other individuals linked to Jain.