Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur

Puttur, Sep 24: The Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat chief executive officer (CEO) has issued an order suspending Wilfred Lawrence Rodrigues, the panchayat development officer (PDO) of Aryapu gram panchayat, with immediate effect over allegations of corruption and dereliction of duty. Rodrigues had previously served as the PDO of Uppinangady gram panchayat.

The disciplinary action follows a visit by Lokayukta officials to the Uppinangady gram panchayat office on September 9 for a file inspection. During the visit, numerous members of the public submitted formal complaints against the PDO. Based on documentary evidence provided by complainants, including Abdul Rahiman P A, Sanjeeva Poojary, Ashraf Periyadka, Khaijamma, Atul Kashyap T, Vinayaka Pai, Lalitha, local fruit and vegetable vendors, S Ravi Hirtadka, Anil Kumar Jain, Shanthakumari, Sandesh K, Moideen Kutti Hirebandadi, and Abdulla Ibnu Mubarak, the ZP CEO had earlier issued a show-cause notice to him and relieved him of his in-charge duties at Uppinangady.

Investigations revealed prima facie evidence against the officer for misusing his authority, intentionally delaying services to citizens, demanding bribes, threatening the public, and behaving inappropriately. As these actions constitute a clear violation of Rule 3 of the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules 2021, the disciplinary authority recommended his suspension pending a departmental inquiry.

Following the issuance of the suspension order, citizens in Uppinangady who had allegedly faced harassment by the PDO expressed their relief and celebrated the decision.

The officer has a history of controversial behaviour. In the past, he caused embarrassment to officials by locking the wheels of KSRTC and police department vehicles parked inside the panchayat bus stand. Furthermore, he was accused of refusing to cooperate with the police by withholding panchayat CCTV footage required for an investigation, and routinely disrespecting locals.

Meanwhile, public sources indicate that a complaint has also been lodged at the government level against the Puttur taluk panchayat executive officer (EO). The EO is accused of indirectly supporting the PDO by retaining him in Uppinangady on an in-charge basis despite his transfer, thereby allegedly turning a blind eye to his corrupt practices and misconduct.