KOPPAL
Indaragi Gram Panchayat Development Officer Nagaraj S.H. has been suspended with immediate effect following allegations of financial irregularities and repeated dereliction of duty.
Koppal Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Varnit Negi ordered the suspension while reserving a departmental inquiry under Rule 10(1)(d) of the Karnataka Civil Services rules.
The action followed complaints from farmers’ association and Green Army members. An investigation by Kuknoor Taluk Planning Officer Anand Garur reportedly found several irregularities during Nagaraj’s tenure. Records showed spending on drinking water equipment, solar streetlights, garbage services and maintenance without proper supporting documents.
The report also noted that Rs.1.50 lakh was shown as spent on a solid waste vehicle, but the vehicle was reportedly unavailable during inspection and garbage collection had stopped for eight months. Spending on garbage baskets and sanitation was also questioned, while drains in three wards remained unclean.
Further allegations included using Rs.84,415 meant for persons with disabilities to construct a girls’ toilet, which reportedly violated government rules. A toilet built under another project was later demolished without permission. Questions were also raised over CCTV bills lacking supplier details and procurement made without tenders, allegedly violating KTPP rules.
The officer’s written explanation submitted on August 3 was found unsatisfactory, according to the suspension order. During suspension, Nagaraj will receive eligible subsistence allowance but cannot leave headquarters without permission. The departmental inquiry will determine further action in the case.