The Gujarat government on Wednesday evening removed Surendranagar district collector Rajendra Patel from his post, a day after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at his office and residence and the state Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) registered a case against him. He has been kept without a posting, with the District Development Officer (DDO) given the additional charge of collector.
Swift Government Action Post-Raids
Official sources within the state government confirmed that the decision by the General Administration Department (GAD) was taken to avoid any further controversy regarding the ED action and to ensure a fair investigation. The move came swiftly after the central agency's operations on Tuesday.
In a related development, the state government also granted quick approval to the ACB for filing a formal case in the Surendranagar matter, indicating a coordinated approach between central and state agencies.
Status of Suspension and Official Rules
As per established service rules, if the ED or the ACB arrests Collector Rajendra Patel, he will be placed under deemed suspension automatically within 24 hours of the arrest. However, in the interim period leading up to any potential arrest, the state administration has decided to keep him without any official posting.
This administrative step effectively sidelines the officer from any position of authority or influence while the investigations by both the ED and the ACB proceed. It is seen as a measure to maintain the integrity of the ongoing probes.
Implications and Next Steps
The removal of a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer like a district collector following simultaneous actions by central and state investigative agencies is a significant administrative action. It underscores the seriousness of the allegations being probed.
The case has put a spotlight on governance and anti-corruption measures in Gujarat. The coming days will be crucial as the ED and ACB continue their investigations, which will determine the future course of legal and administrative action against the officer.
