Illegal Extortion Case: DM Takes Strict Action, Patwari Suspended on Corruption Complaint
Audio Evidence Found Prima Facie Serious; Detailed Inquiry Assigned to Tehsildar
Dehradun, January 2:
Taking a firm stand against corruption, District Magistrate Savin Bansal has suspended Revenue Sub-Inspector (Patwari) Jaylal Sharma with immediate effect following a complaint of illegal extortion in the Lakhamandal area of Chakrata, Dehradun district. During the suspension period, the Patwari has been attached to the Registrar Kanungo Office, Kalsi Tehsil.
Residents of Lakhamandal submitted a joint written complaint to the District Magistrate, supported by an affidavit and audio evidence (pen drive). The complaint alleged that after being posted in the area, Jaylal Sharma was openly demanding illegal money from farmers, cultivators, and economically weaker sections, particularly individuals belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The alleged extortion was reportedly carried out in both cash and online transactions in exchange for preparing land-related documents, executing fake sale deeds, and facilitating mutation entries in revenue records.
During the preliminary inquiry, the District Magistrate found the allegations to be prima facie serious, warranting a fair, transparent, and detailed investigation. Considering the apparent violation of the Uttarakhand State Government Employees Conduct Rules, 2002, the District Magistrate ordered the immediate suspension of the concerned Patwari.
As per Fundamental Rule-53 under the Financial Rules Collection, Volume-2 (Parts 2 to 4), the suspended employee will be entitled to a subsistence allowance equivalent to half of his average pay during the suspension period. In addition, dearness allowance will also be admissible, subject to the condition that the employee submits a written declaration confirming that he is not engaged in any other service, profession, or business during this period.
For a detailed investigation, the Tehsildar, Vikasnagar has been appointed as the Inquiry Officer. He has been directed to complete the inquiry within one month and submit the report to the District Magistrate. Following the approval of the District Magistrate, the suspension orders have been formally issued by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s office.
Reiterating the district administration’s firm stance, the District Magistrate stated that zero tolerance is being followed in cases of corruption and illegal extortion, and the strictest possible action will be taken against any officer or employee found guilty after due process.
