High-profile IAS officer of UP cadre Pradeep  Shukla is likely to be arrested shortly by the central bureau of investigation (CBI) in connection with the cases related to national rural health mission (NRHM) scam.

Highly-placed sources in the CBI said that Shukla , a 1981 batch IAS topper, was found to be prima facie guilty in siphoning of funds from the NRHM projects in the preliminary investigation. The arrest seems imminent in view of the fact that Shukla would be a crucial link to evolution of the modus operandi through which the funds were salted away.

Pradeep Shukla emerged as the prime accused in the NRHM scam when the CBI took over the probe after instructions from the Allahabad high court. The NRHM scam came into focus after the sensational murders of two Lucknow-based CMOs in broad daylight by gun-toting criminals. The murders were believed to be a handiwork of those who masterminded the defalcation of the huge money meant to improve public healthcare.

Shukla, considered to be close to Mayawati, had served as the principal secretary, health, and was found to be involved in various acts of indiscretion by the CBI sleuths. Sources in the agency say that the officer was initially reluctant to help the CBI and had tried to throw his weight around. “He ultimately fell in line and faced inquiry,” sources said. As of now, Shukla figures as prime accused in three criminal cases related to the NRHM scam.

With Shukla’s arrest appearing to be imminent, the CBI is all set to trigger a mild tremor in political and bureaucratic circle of Uttar Pradesh by laying their hands on certain high-profile politicians and bureaucrats who have evaded arrests so far.