Subarnapur, April 1: In a major administrative action, the state government’s Cooperation Department has suspended Subarnapur DRCS Sanjay Tripathy over alleged irregularities in recruitment within a Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society (PACS). ARCS Bhawani Shankar Das has been assigned additional charge following the suspension.

The action comes after a recruitment scam surfaced at Maradoguchha PACS under Tarbha block in Subarnapur district. Acting on complaints from local residents, the District Collector conducted a field inquiry into the matter. The investigation reportedly confirmed serious irregularities, prompting the Collector to recommend a high-level probe to the state government.

According to allegations, three employees- the Secretary, Night Watchman, and Peon- had taken voluntary retirement (VRS) on the same day. Subsequently, their close relatives were appointed to the same posts. The Secretary’s son was appointed as Secretary, his son-in-law as Assistant Secretary, while the sons of the Night Watchman and Peon were appointed to their respective positions.

Villagers alleged favoritism and violation of recruitment norms, and lodged formal complaints with the district administration, leading to the present action.