A top level UP officer was today shunted out by the State Government following reports of his alleged links with Pune stud farm owner Mr Hasan Ali Khan.

With the Enforcement Directorate preparing to question Mr Vijay Shankar Pandey, Principal Secretary (Information), in connection with the passport procured by Mr Khan and some investments done abroad, the State Government quickly distanced itself from the issue.

The UP Government and the Chief Minister's office have nothing to do with Mr Khan and if there is any proof of the allegations against Mr Pandey, then he has to respond in his individual capacity, the Cabinet Secretary, Mr Shashank Shekhar Singh, told reporters here.

“Through media it has come to the knowledge of the Government that the Directorate of Enforcement may issue notice to Mr Pandey for questioning him... keeping in view the seriousness of the issue, Mr Pandey is being removed from the post,” he said.

Mr Singh said that linking CMO with the issue was not justified.

“It has come to our knowledge that one Mr Amlendu Pandey was in contact with Mr V.S. Pandey and on the basis of this letter a notice from the ED to the official is expected,” he said.

Puducherry's Lt Governor Iqbal Singh in a letter written to Home Ministry says that he did recommend Pune-based Hasan Ali's name, considered to be country's biggest tax evader, for a passport.

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