The Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat CEO has suspended Wilfred Lawrence Rodrigues, Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) of Aryapu gram panchayat, with immediate effect following allegations of corruption, misuse of authority and dereliction of duty.
Rodrigues had earlier served as PDO of Uppinangady gram panchayat, where Lokayukta officials conducted a file inspection on September 9. During the visit, several members of the public submitted complaints against the officer.
Complaints trigger disciplinary action
The complaints, supported by documentary evidence, alleged that Rodrigues misused his authority, deliberately delayed public services, demanded bribes, threatened citizens and behaved inappropriately with members of the public.
Following the complaints, the Zilla Panchayat CEO had issued him a show-cause notice and relieved him of his in-charge responsibilities at Uppinangady.
The allegations were found to constitute prima facie violations of Rule 3 of the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021. The disciplinary authority subsequently ordered his suspension pending a departmental inquiry.
Citizens express relief
Following the suspension order, several residents of Uppinangady who had allegedly faced difficulties while dealing with the officer expressed relief over the action.
Rodrigues had previously faced controversy over his conduct. He was accused of locking the wheels of KSRTC and police department vehicles parked inside the panchayat bus stand. He was also accused of withholding CCTV footage sought by police during an investigation and of behaving disrespectfully towards local residents.
Meanwhile, a complaint has reportedly also been submitted at the government level against the Puttur taluk panchayat executive officer. The complaint alleges that the official retained Rodrigues at Uppinangady on an in-charge basis despite his transfer and thereby failed to act against the alleged misconduct.
The allegations against the officials remain subject to the departmental inquiry and other proceedings.