Sambalpur: The Office of the Collector & District Magistrate, Sambalpur has suspended an Assistant Revenue Inspector (ARI) following allegations of demanding a bribe for processing an Economically Weaker Section (EWS) certificate.
According to an official order issued by the Establishment Section of the Collectorate, Surendra Sa, who was serving as ARI in the Sadar-IV RI Circle under Sadar Tahasil, has been placed under suspension with immediate effect. The action has been taken under the provisions of the Orissa Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1962.
The order further states that the suspension has been made in view of contemplated disciplinary proceedings, indicating that a formal inquiry into the allegations is likely to be conducted.
During the suspension period, the official has been directed to remain under the administrative control of the Sub-Collector, Kuchinda, who will serve as his headquarters for the time being. He has also been instructed not to leave headquarters without prior permission from the competent authority.
As per service rules, the suspended official will be entitled to subsistence allowance in accordance with the Orissa Service Code during the period of suspension.
The action follows allegations that the ARI had allegedly demanded Rs 3,000 from an EWS certificate applicant for expediting the issuance of the certificate within a day.
The matter came to light following a complaint, prompting administrative action by the district authorities.
