Lucknow:
An IAS officer suspended and facing a charge sheet and a man shot dead in broad daylight - both known for their fight against the powerful illegal sand mining mafia in Uttar Pradesh.
Despite being roundly criticized for suspending IAS officer Durga Shakti Nagpal, who had launched a relentless crackdown on the sand mining mafia, the Uttar Pradesh government will ask her for an explanation and is even readying a charge sheet.
The 28-year-old officer, who was ostensibly removed for ordering the demolition on Saturday of a mosque built illegally on government land, will be given 10 days to explain herself in writing.
Officials said if the state government doesn't find her reply satisfactory, then a charge sheet could be filed in 45 days, as was the procedure.
Two days ago, the Uttar Pradesh government had said it would "review her suspension" after political parties and IAS officers alleged that the officer was "punished".
But even today, the ruling Samajwadi Party justified the move. "Riots would have broken out if we hadn't suspended her, "said state PWD Minister Shivpal Yadav, the brother of Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav.
The Uttar Pradesh government's stance added fuel to allegations that Ms Nagpal was being victimized, on a day a man was shot dead in Noida in the outskirts of Uttar Pradesh, allegedly for taking on the sand mafia.
Paleram Chauhan was shot by three men on a motorcycle this morning. His family said in their police complaint, or FIR, that he was fighting against the sand mafia in his village, Raipur, and had filed a complaint against them recently.
A callous remark by another state minister on illegal sand mining has led to more anger.
"Everyone has the right to natural resources - why be petty? This is nature's gift - if you can loot it, loot it," said Mr Khan, the Uttar Pradesh Urban Development Minister.
Rival political parties tore into the state government.
Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati remarked: "It is difficult for honest officers to work in the state. The governor should protect them and impose central rule in the state."