Uttarakhand govt orders CBI probe into Nigamanand's death

Jun 15, 2011 |

Dehra Dun

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Yielding to pressure, Uttarakhand government late on Wednesday ordered a CBI inquiry into the death of Swami Nigamanand, who had been on fast for about four months protesting illegal quarrying and mining in the state, amid allegations that he was poisoned.

"Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank has decided to hand over the inquiry related to the death of Swami Nigamanand to CBI", said Devendra Bhasin, the media adviser to the state government.

Nigamanand, who died in a hospital here on June 13, was on fast since February 19 demanding immediate halt to illegal quarrying in the Ganges and shifting of Himalaya stone crusher from Kumbh area.

The CBI inquiry came after the pressure mounted on the state government from various quarters for a through probe, including Swami Nigamanand's family members, Uttarakhand Governor Margaret Alva, main opposition Congress besides sadhus of Matri Sadan ashram.

The government had yesterday asked the CB-CID to probe the seer's death but Congress rejected it alleging the state government was working under pressure from quarrying mafia.

Earlier in the day, State Urban Development Minister Madan Kaushik told reporters here that the government was willing to for a CBI probe if the Matri Sadan ashram and family members of Swami Nigamanand wants.

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