Haryana govt comes up with dossier of charges against whistleblower

When asked,a government official said: “It will adversely hamper the investigation. The officer will be free without having to paying his due for causing severe damage to the government. There are serious allegations against him,including dereliction of duty and abetment to suicide. Hence,he should first clear himself of these charges and then the government can think about relieving him.”

According to the dossier,the government cannot relieve Chaturvedi,as an abetment to suicide case was pending against him at the Jhajjar police station. Chaturvedi was booked under Section 306 of the IPC on December 12,2007 for abetment to suicide of Sanjiv Kumar — his then subordinate officer. Kumar,who was serving as Range Forest Officer under Chaturvedi,committed suicide in the outhouse of his official accommodation on December 14,2007.

The dossier also added that Chaturvedi was suspended from service from June 11,2007 to August 2,2007 when he allegedly did not comply with the directions of forest department.

Moreover,according to the file,during his tenure as the Jhajjar district forest officer,Chaturvedi allegedly committed acts of omission and commission relating to plantation in the Jhajjar forest division. A departmental inquiry followed,which reported largescale failure of plantation work,dereliction of duty,non-maintenance of plantation and Chaturvedi surrendering maintenance budget worth Rs 70 lakh.

The file also went on to explain about reports on Chaturvedi appearing in the media. “Chaturvedi has a habit of planting stories in the print and electronic media against the authorities. In fact,he has been making direct correspondence with the Prime Minister,cabinet secretary,Ministry of Environment and Forests,other senior functionaries of the central government and central statuary agencies like the CVC and CBI,alleging harassment. However,he has never informed his controlling officer while making such communications. Such an act on part of Chaturvedi was tantamount to the violation of Rule 7 and 9 of the All India Service (Conduct) Rule-1968 that prohibits the government to make any statement,which has the effect of an adverse criticism of any current or recent policy or action of the central or state government,” it stated.

The government has also charged Chaturvedi with defaming senior ministers and other officers,besides projecting himself as a whistleblower.

Forest Minister Captain Ajay Singh Yadav said: “We are examining the case file of the officer in the light of allegations against him. There are cases pending against him and he is required for various inquiries. As far as his department is concerned,they are against sending him on deputation. Yet,we will soon take a decision after thoroughly checking the facts.”