Sambalpur, June 9: The Office of the Collector and District Magistrate, Sambalpur, has placed an Assistant Revenue Inspector (ARI) under suspension following allegations of demanding a bribe from an applicant for processing an Economically Weaker Section (EWS) certificate.
According to an official order issued by the Establishment Section of the Collectorate, Surendra Sa, posted as ARI in the Sadar-IV Revenue Inspector Circle under Sadar Tahasil, has been suspended with immediate effect under the provisions of the Orissa Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1962.
The suspension order states that disciplinary proceedings are being contemplated against the official, paving the way for a formal inquiry into the allegations.
During the suspension period, Surendra Sa will remain under the administrative control of the Sub-Collector, Kuchinda, which has been designated as his headquarters. He has also been directed not to leave the headquarters without obtaining prior permission from the competent authority.
As per service rules, the suspended official will be entitled to subsistence allowance in accordance with the provisions of the Orissa Service Code.
The action comes in the wake of allegations that the ARI had demanded Rs 3,000 from an applicant for expediting the issuance of an EWS certificate within a day.
The matter reportedly surfaced following a complaint, prompting the district administration to initiate disciplinary action against the official.
