Dehradun district administration has suspended 2 lekhpals in the certificate fraud case, marking the first disciplinary action after irregularities came to light. The order was issued on the direction of District Magistrate Dr Ashish Chauhan.
Jagdish Rathore and Dimple, both ed in Sadar tehsil, were found prima facie negligent while checking documents submitted with certificate applications. The administration is examining whether inadequate verification allowed the disputed certificates to be issued within the prescribed time.
What the initial action means
The suspended officials were responsible for verifying documents submitted for students’ certificates. The administration’s preliminary assessment is that lapses occurred during this verification stage. Suspension at this stage is an administrative action and does not establish criminal guilt.
Officials have indicated that the review could extend to additional employees. The district administration is examining documents being submitted as part of the inquiry and has not ruled out further action if responsibility is established.
The development follows the registration of FIRs at 2 police stations after the alleged certificate fraud came to light. Police have so far arrested 2 people in connection with the case: a student’s father and Rupesh Pandit, described as a broker from Meerut. The arrests are part of the criminal investigation, while the departmental review is being conducted separately.
Committee examining the certificate process
District Magistrate Dr Ashish Chauhan formed a joint committee at the administrative level under the leadership of the chief development officer. Its mandate includes examining negligence in the certificate process and reviewing how the relevant documents were verified and issued.
The district magistrate said the investigation was being conducted seriously. He said action would be taken against anyone whose negligence is established during the preliminary inquiry, and added that the scope of the certificate review could be expanded.
The administration is also scrutinising documents that are being received for examination. Officials have said that the rights of students must not be compromised by people involved in fraud. The statement places the focus on identifying weaknesses in verification and determining responsibility at each stage.
Criminal and departmental inquiries continue
The police case and the administrative inquiry will address different aspects of the matter. Police are investigating the alleged fraud and the role of the arrested people, while the committee is checking possible lapses in official processing.
No final finding has yet been announced against the suspended lekhpals or any other employee. Further disciplinary action will depend on the findings of the ongoing administrative examination.
Conclusion
The first administrative response in the Dehradun certificate fraud case has resulted in the suspension of 2 Sadar tehsil lekhpals. The joint committee and police investigation will determine the wider responsibility and next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who has been suspended in the Dehradun certificate case?
Jagdish Rathore and Dimple, 2 lekhpals ed in Sadar tehsil, have been suspended.
Q. Why were the 2 lekhpals suspended?
The administration found prima facie negligence in their verification of documents submitted with certificate applications.
Q. Who is leading the administrative inquiry?
A joint committee led by the chief development officer is examining the certificate process and related lapses.
Q. How many people have been arrested in the case?
Police have arrested 2 people so far: a student’s father and Rupesh Pandit, described as a Meerut-based broker.
Q. Were FIRs registered in the matter?
Yes. FIRs were registered at 2 police stations after the alleged certificate fraud came to light.
Q. Could more officials face action?
The administration has indicated that the inquiry may cover more employees. Further action will depend on the findings.
