The State government on Friday clarified that IAS officer C. Umashankar has been temporarily placed under suspension following a complaint that he obtained the job by furnishing a false Scheduled Caste certificate, thereby depriving the chances of another Dalit candidate.
An official release stated that since several political parties with "vested interests" were issuing statements in support of Mr. Umashankar, the government was forced to explain its stand.
The previous regime had levelled charges against Mr. Umashankar on various grounds, including favouring a company, which provided air-conditioner in his vehicle; appointing someone without obtaining permission from the government and not through employment exchange; and depositing Rs.20-crore government funds in the branch of a bank where his brother worked.
When the DMK came back to power, an investigation was held and the disciplinary action against him was cancelled.
This clearly showed that the government was not taking revenge on this officer, the release said.
After receiving a complaint that he had submitted false community certificate to enter the Civil Service, the government formed a three-member committee to investigate it. It recommended further action.
Since investigation also revealed there was a prima facie evidence, the government decided to take disciplinary action against him.
The officer would also be given an opportunity to explain his stand and, after obtaining evidence from him, final action would be taken as per rules and on reasonable basis, the release said.
