Lucknow: Following a decision taken by the Union Home Ministry, Amitabh Thakur was given premature retirement in "public interest" to contest in next year's state Assembly elections against Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, his family has announced.
"In the public interest, Amitabh Thakur is being given premature retirement before completion of his service with immediate effect," the order has said.
In a statement issued in Lucknow, Amitabh Thakur's wife Nutan said it is a fight for principles for him.
"Sri Adityanath undertook many undemocratic, improper, suppressive, harassing and discriminatory steps during his tenure as Chief Minister" she said.
"Hence, Amitabh (Thakur) shall be contesting the election against Sri Adityanath from any place he contests," she added.
In 2017, Amitabh Thakur had urged the Centre to change its cadre state.
The officer was suspended on July 13, 2015, days after he had accused Samajwadi Party's Mulayam Singh Yadav of threatening him. A vigilance enquiry was also initiated against him.
However, the Lucknow Bench of Central Administrative Tribunal stayed his suspension in April 2016 and ordered his reinstatement with full salary with effect from October 11, 2015.