Deputy Conservator of Forest suspended for ‘talking rudely’ to MLA in Karnataka

Bengaluru: In a rare incident, Forest Minister Ishwar Khandre has ordered suspension of Shivanand Naikwadi, deputy conservator of forests, Ghataprabha division, Gokak, for allegedly speaking inappropriately to an MLA.

The February 21 order said the DCF spoke inappropriately to Raibagha constituency MLA Duryodhan M Aihole. Khandre issued the orders after studying the report filed by Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Vigilance.

The order, a copy of which is with TNIE, states that the DCF spoke to the MLA on phone, and even after knowing that it was the MLA on the other end, he continued to talk in the same manner. APCCF Vigilance had issued a show cause notice to Naikwadi. Defending itself, the DCF said that they received a call from a new number and thought it was a contractor who had called them earlier and spoke inappropriately. He told APCCF that he later spoke to the MLA with proper courtesy.

During questioning, Naikwadi said that he had no personal interest or malice in the conversation and had no intention of violating Rule-3 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968. If his words hurt Aihol, he will apologize and remain alert. In the future, he told APCCF.
Khandre said in the order that the incident had caused embarrassment to the MLA and recommended suspension of the DCF with immediate effect and a departmental inquiry against him.