Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jul 25: On the basis of allegations that he has accumulated assets which are disproportionate to his known sources of income, district excise deputy superintendent, K Vinod Kumar, stands suspended from service. Through an order, which was issued by excise commissioner and disciplinary authority, V Yashwant, ordered his immediate suspension which will be affective until further orders pending probe.

The suspension order issued under rule 10 (5) (A) will continue to be in force till either the competent authority modifies or withdraws it. As per Karnataka government service rules, he will be eligible to receive subsistence allowance during the period suspension. At the same time, Kumar has been instructed not to leave headquarters without prior permission of the competent authority.

Anti Corruption Bureau Bengaluru had registered a case against the official in its police station on January 8 this year and conducted probe on the basis of allegations made against the official concerned. On January 9, the official's house and office were raided. Documentary and other proof seized during the period and preliminary investigation conducted revealed that the official had amassed movable and immovable assets worth Rs 1.59 crore. As per calculations, the assets possessed by the official in excess of income happens to be Rs 90.97 lac, which is 133.79 percent more than his income.

As per government provisions, government officials found to be possessing assets in excess of income can be kept under suspension. The decision to suspend the above officer was taken as his continuance in service can pose risks of interfering with investigation, destruction or meddling with evidence, and posing threats, it is gathered.