Patna: Departmental proceedings against government officials in Bihar over allegations of corruption, financial irregularities and misconduct have come under scrutiny, with several cases reportedly taking years to reach a conclusion.
A review of recent cases highlights delays in investigations, prolonged disciplinary proceedings and penalties that have included withholding one or two salary increments. In some instances, inquiry committees were constituted months or even years after allegations were raised.
The cases involve alleged revenue losses, irregularities in public works and procurement, and allegations of physical misconduct.
Vehicle Registration Case: One Increment Withheld After Five Years
Ajay Kumar Thakur, who served as Patna’s District Transport Officer (DTO), was accused of facilitating the backdated registration of 547 BS-III and BS-IV vehicles, allegedly causing substantial revenue losses to the government.
The inquiry began in 2021 and reportedly found the allegations to be substantiated. However, after around five years, the disciplinary penalty imposed was withholding one salary increment.
Thakur is currently serving as Additional Collector (Public Grievances) in Araria, according to the report.
Alleged Assault on Players: Two Increments Withheld
Shishir Kumar Mishra, the then Additional Collector of Madhepura, faced allegations of assaulting players at the BP Mandal Indoor Stadium in January 2025.
Following a recommendation by the District Magistrate, he was suspended. The departmental inquiry reportedly found the allegations to be established, after which the penalty imposed was withholding two salary increments.
Toilet Construction Irregularities: Inquiry Continued After Retirement
Virendra Kumar, the then executive officer of Bettiah Municipal Council, was arrested on June 10, 2014, in connection with alleged irregularities in toilet construction.
He was suspended twice, and a departmental inquiry was initiated in 2016. Kumar retired in 2023.
After a decade-long inquiry, a decision was reportedly taken to consider the impact of the proceedings on his pension, three years after his retirement.
Inquiry Committee Formed Two Months After Action Recommendation
Mithilesh Prasad Singh, the then Land Deputy Collector in Patna, faced allegations of colluding with land mafias for personal benefit.
The Patna District Magistrate recommended strict action on August 8 this year. However, an inquiry committee was constituted only around two months later.
Municipal Procurement Case: Four-Year Wait for Inquiry Committee
Rajkishore Lal, the then executive officer of Siwan Municipal Council, faced allegations linked to irregularities in the procurement of LED lights and dustbins.
Files concerning the allegations were moved in 2019 and 2022. An inquiry committee has now been constituted after a delay of nearly four years, according to the report.
Lal is currently serving as Deputy Secretary in the Energy Department.
Suspension Recommended, One Increment Withheld
Dhirendra Kumar, the then Land Deputy Collector of Muzaffarpur West, faced allegations of negligence in departmental work.
The Revenue and Land Reforms Department had recommended his suspension. However, the action eventually taken was withholding one salary increment.
He is currently posted as Deputy Secretary in the Sugarcane Industries Department.
Delays Raise Questions Over Departmental Accountability
The cases highlight recurring concerns about the time taken to investigate allegations against government officials and the nature of penalties imposed after departmental proceedings.
While disciplinary action has been taken in several instances, the prolonged timelines raise questions about how quickly allegations are examined, how responsibility is fixed and whether penalties are proportionate to the findings.
The examples also underline the importance of timely inquiries and transparent disciplinary procedures in maintaining accountability across government departments.
