Garhwal Post Bureau
DEHRADUN, 4 Apr: Rajiv Nayan Nautiyal, the Sub-Divisional Forest Officer (SDO Forest) posted in Chakrata division, has once more found himself in the headlines, this time for a departmental show cause notice issued against him on charges of negligence in official duties. The notice, served by the Forest department, has mandated him to submit a reply within fifteen days, with the clear warning that failure to do so may invite further disciplinary action.
Nautiyal had earlier been the subject of intense public debate when a video of him being assaulted in Vikasnagar had sometime ago, gone viral on social media. The incident, which showed him in a scuffle with several people on the road, had sparked widespread concern about the safety of government officials. The matter had gained even more traction as it followed closely after another controversy in which a legislator was accused of manhandling the Director of Education. In the viral video, Nautiyal had alleged that the confrontation began after he photographed a vehicle suspected of being involved in illegal mining, leading to heated arguments and eventually physical assault. He subsequently lodged a formal complaint against those involved.
The latest development, however, centres on allegations of dereliction of duty. Reports allege that Nautiyal failed to attend departmental meetings chaired by the forest minister and did not even discharge his responsibilities with due diligence. Complaints regarding his conduct have reached the forest headquarters, prompting the issuance of the show-cause notice. The document makes it clear that if he does not provide a satisfactory explanation within the stipulated period, the government will proceed with appropriate action.
Media persons who spoke to Nautiyal confirmed that he acknowledged receipt of the notice and admitted that he had been given fifteen days to respond. He stated that he would submit his reply within the prescribed time frame. The case has reignited discussions in Uttarakhand about accountability and discipline among government officers. In recent months, several incidents involving officials have gone viral on digital platforms, drawing sharp public reactions and raising questions about both the conduct of officers and the treatment they receive while performing their duties. Coverage in Hindi and English media has pointed out that such controversies erode public trust in institutions and intensify debates on governance standards.
Observers note that while Nautiyal’s earlier confrontation was seen as a matter of personal safety linked to illegal mining, the present allegations strike at the core of administrative responsibility.
