Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 2 Jan: Taking decisive action on a complaint of illegal extortion in the Lakhamandal area, District Magistrate (DM) Savin Bansal has ordered immediate suspension of Revenue Sub-Inspector (Patwari) Jaylal Sharma. During the suspension period, Sharma has been attached to the Registrar Kanungo office at Kalsi tehsil.
The residents of Lakhamandal, Chakrata, and Dehradun had jointly submitted a complaint to the DM, supported by an affidavit and audio evidence contained in a pen drive. The complaint alleged that Sharma, after being posted in the area, was openly extorting cash and money through online transactions from farmers, cultivators and poor people belonging to Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes. The extortion was reportedly carried out under the pretext of preparing documents ranging from small entries to fake sale deeds, mutation records and similar works.
A preliminary inquiry conducted by the DM found the allegations to be of a serious nature, warranting an impartial and transparent investigation. On prima facie violation of the Uttarakhand State Government Servants Conduct Rules, 2002, orders were issued by him, suspending Sharma with immediate effect.
During the suspension period, Sharma will be entitled to subsistence allowance equivalent to half the average pay as per Fundamental Rule 53 of the Financial Rules Compendium, Volume 2, Part 2 to 4. Dearness allowance (DA) will also be admissible under the rules, provided the employee submits a certificate confirming that he is not engaged in any other service, business, or trade during this time. In addition, Tehsildar Vikasnagar has been appointed as the inquiry officer to conduct a detailed investigation, with directions to complete the probe within one month and submit the report to the DM. Following approval by the DM, the suspension order was formally issued by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate headquarters.
It may be recalled that DM Bansal has declared that a zero-tolerance policy is being enforced in cases of corruption and illegal extortion and that strictest action will be taken against any officer or employee found guilty.
