Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Government has reinstated two senior officials allegedly involved in the Taj Heritage corridor case, an official source said today (Feb 19, 2004).

P L Punia, former principal secretary to former Chief Minister Mayawati and V K Gupta former principal secretary (environment) were re-instated after they were found innocent in the preliminary enquiry, the source said.

Former chief secretary of the State D S Bagga, who is to retire on March 31, is likely to be reinstated soon, he said.

Four IAS (Indian Administrative Service) officials, including Punia, Gupta, Bagga and former secretary R K Sharma were suspended for their alleged involvement in the case.

A two-member enquiry committee, comprising Hamendra Kumar and V K Mittal, was constituted to probe into the allegations.

The enquiry committee exonerated Punia and Gupta and is likely to exonerate Bagga too, the source added.