Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has suspended two revenue officials, including a Tahasildar-cum-Ex-Officio Sub-Registrar, in connection with alleged irregularities in the registration of 4.40 acres of recorded land in Nuapada district.
According to separate suspension orders issued on August 25, Tahasildar-cum-Ex-Officio Sub-Registrar of Komna, Sarbeswar Jal, has been placed under suspension by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department.
The government said disciplinary proceedings against Jal were contemplated and suspended him under Rule 12(1)(a) of the Odisha Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1962, with immediate effect.
During his suspension, Jal’s headquarters will be at the office of the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (Northern Division), Sambalpur. He has been directed not to leave the headquarters without prior permission from the RDC.
In a separate order, the Collector and District Magistrate of Nuapada suspended Ramnath Mishra, Assistant Revenue Inspector (ARI), Komna Tahasil, over alleged lapses in the discharge of his official duties in connection with the same land transaction.
The action followed reports published in print and electronic media in July regarding the alleged fraudulent sale and registration of 4.40 acres of land in Mouza Chandopala, under Khata No. 49 in Komna Tahasil.
Following the reports, the Additional District Magistrate (ADM), Nuapada, was asked to conduct a detailed inquiry into the matter and submit a report along with his findings.
During the inquiry, it was found that Mishra had been attached to the Komna Sub-Registry Office and was dealing with registration-related matters. The inquiry also noted that an Aadhaar authentication iris device was available at the office but was allegedly not used during the land transaction.
The ADM’s inquiry report reportedly found lapses on Mishra’s part, including an alleged failure to discharge his assigned government duties, dereliction of duty and negligence in following the Aadhaar authentication process.
The report recommended the initiation of departmental proceedings against Mishra. Subsequently, the Collector placed him under suspension with immediate effect under Rule 12(1)(a) of the Odisha Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1962.
