Udupi: A case has been registered at the Udupi Town Police Station against two outsourced staff members attached to the Senior Sub-Registrar’s Office in Udupi for alleged criminal misconduct and misuse of authority.
The complaint was filed by VS Halamoorthi Rao, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Lokayukta, Udupi, following a surprise inspection conducted on February 27 by the Upa Lokayukta at the Taluk Office complex in Bannanje, Udupi taluk.
Surprise inspection reveals irregularities
According to the complaint, the irregularities came to light during the inspection of the Senior Sub-Registrar’s Office situated within the Taluk Office complex. During the inspection, it was allegedly found that Sukesh, an outsourced staff member, had kept eight files related to property and marriage registrations in his personal bag.
Another outsourced worker, identified as Sunil, was reportedly found in possession of 35 similar files in his personal bag.
In total, 43 files received from members of the public had allegedly not been entered into the official inward register of the office. Instead, they were kept unauthorisedly in the personal custody of the two staff members.
Officials stated that such files are required to be formally acknowledged and recorded in the inward register before further processing. Failure to do so raises serious concerns about procedural violations and possible malpractice.
Allegations of misconduct and misuse of authority
The complaint alleges that the accused committed criminal misconduct, misused legal provisions and behaved like government officials while dealing with members of the public visiting the office.
Although they were outsourced employees and not regular government staff, they allegedly handled official files and interacted with the public in a manner that suggested exercise of authority beyond their designated roles.
The complaint further noted that despite these alleged acts, the Sub-Registrar, Girish, failed to take note of the irregularities. Prima facie, it appears that the actions of the outsourced staff may have been carried out with his support or knowledge, the complaint stated.
However, officials clarified that the matter is under investigation and no conclusions have been drawn at this stage.
Case registered under BNS provisions
Based on the complaint, Udupi Town Police have registered a case under Sections 316(4), 337, 340, 344 and 204 read with Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Police sources said the investigation will examine whether there was any attempt to suppress official records, cause wrongful loss or gain, or misuse official procedures for personal benefit.
Authorities are also expected to scrutinise whether any members of the public were adversely affected due to the alleged non-entry of files in the inward register.
Investigation underway
The registration of the case has raised concerns about transparency and accountability in public offices handling sensitive documents such as property and marriage registrations.
Officials from the Lokayukta have indicated that further departmental action may be initiated depending on the findings of the police investigation.
Police said statements will be recorded from the accused, the Sub-Registrar and other staff members of the office. The seized files are likely to be examined to ascertain whether any irregular processing, delay or manipulation occurred.
Further investigation is underway to determine the full extent of the alleged misconduct and to identify any additional persons involved.