Mahasamund Collector shifted

The said exit poll conducted on April 20 through 8216;8216;zonal officers8217;8217;, who were on poll duty, had predicted victory for former CM Ajit Jogi.

Pathak had kept the findings of the controversial exit poll secret to be released later, sources said. But the EC, following a complaint lodged by an anonymous person, ordered State Chief Electoral officer A.K. Vijayavargya to conduct an inquiry into the matter. Sunil Kumar, a senior IAS officer who was entrusted with the inquiry, confirmed that Pathak had conducted the exit poll.

State Chief Secretary S.K. Mishra confirmed that Gaurav Dwivedi, Director Budget, has been appointed District Collector in Pathak8217;s place.

Earlier, the District Collector and SP of Mahasamund had been shifted by the EC to 8216;8216;ensure free and fair polls8217;8217; and it had cleared the name of Pathak, who was Collector of Bastar during the State Assembly polls, for the post.