Sambhal DM Suspends DLRC Over Alleged Misuse of Office in Land Dispute

Sambhal District Magistrate Ankit Khandelwal has suspended District Land Management Assistant (DLRC) Prashast Gupta, posted at the Collectorate, with immediate effect. The action was taken over allegations of misusing his government position and the name of the District Magistrate’s office in a private land dispute. Departmental disciplinary proceedings have also been ordered against him.

The action has been taken under the zero-tolerance policy in Sambhal district. The matter relates to Anandpur village in the Bahjoi police station area, where two parties were involved in a dispute over a boundary wall on private land.

It has been alleged that DLRC Prashast Gupta used his official position in the dispute. He allegedly misused the name of the District Magistrate’s office and tried to put pressure on the parties by claiming that he was connected with the DM office.

Complaints related to the matter were submitted, and a video connected with the case also went viral on social media. The issue subsequently came to the notice of District Magistrate Ankit Khandelwal.

Taking the allegations seriously, the DM ordered the SDM of Chandausi to conduct a spot investigation. The SDM visited the village, recorded the statements of both parties and inspected the site.

The investigation report submitted by the SDM stated that the allegations against the DLRC regarding misuse of his post were found to be prima facie correct. After the report came before him, District Magistrate Ankit Khandelwal issued the suspension order against Prashast Gupta.

Along with the suspension, the DM also ordered the initiation of departmental disciplinary action against him. The proceedings will examine the allegations related to the alleged use of his government designation and the name of the District Magistrate’s office in the private dispute.

According to administrative sources, during the suspension period, Prashast Gupta has been attached to Gunnour tehsil. He will not be allowed to leave the headquarters without permission.

The responsibility for conducting a detailed and impartial inquiry into the entire matter has been given to an officer of Deputy Collector rank. The further departmental action will proceed on the basis of this inquiry.

Following the suspension, there is an atmosphere of concern among the officers and employees at the Collectorate. The action by the District Magistrate has sent a clear message that the misuse of a government position for private matters will not be tolerated at any cost.