Thiruvananthapuram: The troubles of 2007-batch IAS officer N. Prashant, suspended since November last year, have deepened as the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government has ordered a fresh inquiry into his conduct. The inquiry will be conducted by Additional Chief Secretary Rajan Kobargade and is expected to be completed within three months.
Inquiry Ordered After Unsatisfactory Reply to Suspension Notice
The decision for the new probe came after Prashant’s response to the suspension notice was deemed unsatisfactory by the authorities. Prashant had previously been suspended based on allegations including mishandling of documents related to the Unnati project, irregularities in attendance records, and violation of service conduct through social media posts during his tenure as CEO.
Nine-Month Delay and Multiple Suspension Extensions
Typically, inquiries into suspension cases are expected to be completed within six months. However, in Prashant’s case, the process has been delayed significantly, with the inquiry announced only after nine months. Meanwhile, his suspension has been extended three times, prolonging the controversy.
Allegations Against Senior Bureaucrats and Controversy Surrounding Probe
Prashant has made serious allegations against senior officials including Additional Chief Secretary A. Jayathilak, IAS officer K. Gopalakrishnan (2013 batch), and recently retired Chief Secretary Sharada Muralidharan. This has added fuel to an already sensitive situation.
There have been concerns raised regarding the impartiality of the inquiry, since it is being overseen by Jayathilak and his subordinate Kobargade, both of whom have been named in Prashant’s allegations.
Public Support and Social Media Presence
Despite the controversies, Prashant has retained considerable public support, particularly for his tenure as Kozhikode district collector, winning praise for his administrative work. He enjoys a strong following on social media, where he has been vocal about his case and critical of senior officials.
Prashant has also openly criticized the suspension, alleging the evidence against him is based on unreliable digital data and lacks legal validity. He has publicly shared details of a private hearing with former Chief Secretary Sharada Muralidharan, further aggravating tensions with senior officials.
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Summary of Allegations Against Prashant
- Missing documents related to the Unnati project
- Irregularities in his attendance register
- Violation of service conduct through derogatory social media posts
- Public disclosure of private administrative hearings
