Remorseless Akhilesh defends action against Nagpal again

Amid the raging controversy over the suspension of IAS officer Durga Sakthi Nagpal, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday defended the state government’s decision, saying it would continue to take action against officers involved in "wrongdoings".

"Someone SMSed last evening, saying my popularity has declined. You (media) tell me whether the government will do its work," Akhilesh said in a reply to a question during the launch of a welfare scheme.

“You know the reality and so does the government. The government took the action which it was supposed to take. It issued a charge-sheet to the officer. Let the process continue," he added.

In reply to another question, Akhilesh said, "You tell me whether the government will do its work. The question is whether action will be taken against those who disturb the atmosphere of the state."

He said several factors had been taken into consideration before the suspension.

Nagpal, the 28-year-old SDM of G B Nagar, led the crackdown on sand mining mafia in her district. She was suspended on July 27, ostensibly for ordering the demolition of the wall allegedly without following the due process.