Lucknow, Dec 14 (IANS): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati's confidante and high profile multi-portfolio minister Naseemuddin Siddiqui is now under the Lok Ayukta's scanner - the fifth minister in the state to be probed for corruption.

"A case has been formally registered against cabinet minister Naseemuddin Siddiqui following multiple complaints against him," the Lokayukta, Justice (retd.) N.K. Mehrotra told IANS Tuesday.

"The cases include large-scale manipulation in official work, blatant nepotism and extending undue favours to his family members including illegal allotment of government land," he said.

Among the key portfolios held by Siddiqui are public works, irrigation, housing, health and industries. The minister hails from Banda, one of the most backward districts in the state's poorest Bundelkhand region.

According to the Lokayukta, Siddiqui was accused of amassing huge assets far beyond his legitimate sources of income through misuse of his position as minister.