Ayodhya GST Official Withdraws Resignation Amid Family Feud and Certificate Controversy
In a dramatic turn of events, Ayodhya GST deputy commissioner Prashant Kumar Singh, who had tendered his resignation earlier this week, has officially withdrawn it and resumed his duties. The official, who had cited support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, as well as protest against Swami Avimukteshwaranand, as reasons for his initial resignation, made a U-turn on Saturday.
Return to Office and Dismissal of Pressure Claims
Prashant Kumar Singh confirmed his return to work, stating, "I have withdrawn my resignation and there is no pressure on me. Today I am in my office and working." He emphasized that this decision was entirely personal, putting an end to speculation about external influences. This development comes after his resignation had sparked discussions in administrative circles, highlighting the complexities of public service commitments.
Allegations of Fake Disability Certificate and Family Dispute
The situation took a contentious turn when Singh's brother, Vishwajeet Singh, leveled serious allegations against him. Vishwajeet claimed that Prashant Kumar Singh had submitted a fake disability certificate to secure his job through the disability quota. This accusation prompted principal secretary Kamini Ratan Chauhan to seek a detailed report from State Tax Commissioner Nitin Bansal to investigate the matter thoroughly.
Furthermore, Vishwajeet extended the allegations to their sister, Jaya Singh, who serves as Tehsildar in Kushinagar. He accused her of also obtaining a fake disability certificate. In response, Jaya Singh firmly dismissed these claims, asserting her readiness for any investigation. She attributed the allegations to an ongoing family dispute, suggesting personal motives behind the accusations.
Criminal Accusations and Gang Connections
Prashant Kumar Singh retaliated by making grave accusations against his brother. He alleged that Vishwajeet is an active member of the Mau gang, formerly led by the late gangster Mukhtar Ansari, and had served as a financial adviser to him. Singh detailed several criminal cases registered against Vishwajeet, including an incident where he allegedly assaulted their parents, leading to an FIR being filed.
Additionally, Singh accused his brother of threatening a private telecom company officer and extorting money from individuals. "His work is to pressurize people for money. He is a criminal," Singh stated, painting a picture of a sibling engaged in illicit activities. These claims add a layer of criminal intrigue to the family feud, raising questions about the broader implications for the individuals involved.
Defense of Disability Certificate Authenticity
On the specific issue of the disability certificate, Prashant Kumar Singh provided a robust defense. He clarified that the certificate was issued from the same office and had been confirmed as genuine in writing by the Mau Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Singh revealed that in 2021, Vishwajeet had submitted an application to the CMO in Mau, alleging the certificate was fake due to missing dates and doctors' signatures.
In response, Singh appeared before the Ayodhya CMO, after which the Mau CMO was consulted about the certificate's authenticity. The Mau CMO officially affirmed that the certificate was genuine. Singh expressed frustration, questioning why the document continued to be labeled as fake after such confirmation. This defense underscores the bureaucratic processes involved in verifying official documents and the challenges of disputing such matters within family conflicts.
Broader Implications and Administrative Scrutiny
The entire episode highlights the intersection of personal disputes and public service, with potential impacts on administrative integrity. The involvement of high-level officials like the principal secretary and state tax commissioner indicates the seriousness with which such allegations are being treated. As the family feud unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the complexities that can arise in professional settings when personal issues spill over into the public domain.
With Prashant Kumar Singh back at work and the investigations ongoing, the situation remains fluid. Stakeholders are closely watching how the authorities handle the allegations and what steps will be taken to ensure transparency and justice. This case may set precedents for handling similar disputes in the future, emphasizing the need for clear protocols and robust verification systems in government appointments.
