The Centre has sought a report from Uttar Pradesh government on the suspension of sub-divisional magistrate of Gautam Buddh Nagar district Durga Shakti Nagpal. Media reports say Nagpal had undertaken a drive against illegal sand mining in the district.

Earlier, in a letter to the Prime Minister, Congress President Sonia Gandhi has asked him to ensure fair treatment for Nagpal.

Her suspension has evoked sharp reaction from opposition parties, including BJP and BSP, which have alleged that the Sub-Divisional Officer was removed for her crackdown on the sand mafia operating in Gautam Budh Nagar area of the state. Civil society members and eminent former and serving bureaucrats have also criticised the action of the UP authorities.

Congress today criticised Samajwadi Party for attacking party president Sonia Gandhi for her support to suspended IAS officer Durga Shakti Nagpal. Talking to reporters in New Delhi, party spokesperson Sandeep Dikshit said the ruling party in Uttar Pradesh is trying to hide what is essentially a case of corruption and illegal mining. Earlier, SP leader Naresh Agrawal criticised Ms. Gandhi for her letter to Prime Minister in this regard.