The Lokayukta has launched a formal investigation against two senior officers of the health department in Gwalior, probing over alleged corruption and administrative irregularities, and registering a probe against the district’s Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) and District Health Officer (DHO).
The allegations for want of good use of office and financial irregularity came from several complaints to Lokayukta, sources said. The anti-corruption agency reportedly gave a preliminary confidential probe and assessed the information it received and issued a formal investigation as a result.
The development has stirred up a controversy among the administrative areas and the health department, given that both lack and hold key posts in the district’s health administration. According to officials who have been informed of the allegation, violations of procedure, improper official acts, and financial transaction and departmental policies and activities.
A Special Lokayukta team has started its investigation by reviewing crucial documents, files belonging to the departments and those pertaining to tenders. Investigators will review administrative action and financing of officers under investigation.
Sources said both officials could be subpoenaed as the investigation continues. The agency will also draw in more documentation and testimony to ascertain how much wrongdoing had occurred.
No arrests or any other punitive action has been announced yet but the registering of the probe shed light into the case. The inquiry is continuing and it was hoped that in the days to come, the team of Lokayukta will look at more records in order to determine the facts, officials said.