On paper, Goswami, IAS, still with Govt, his new job illegal

Asked how could he then join Sahara, he said: ‘‘If someone wants to take a risk, what can we do?’’

Instead of accepting his resignation, the state had asked Goswami, a 1991 batch officer, to report to Department of Personnel, a direction that is usually given to officers who are awaiting posting, they said.

Goswami, who had denied wrongdoing to The Indian Express on Saturday was today unavailable for comment.

He had submitted his resignation to Bihar Chief Secretary on December 31 after which the state government had to ascertain that he had no pending dues or a vigilance enquiry against him before approving the resignation.

They said a reason for holding back the approval was the bungling in relief operation that had been pointed out by the Divisional Commissioner, Patna, in his preliminary report submitted three months ago.

The bungling is being exposed by The Indian Express in an ongoing series of investigative reports.

‘‘The entire concentration shifted on the enquiry,’’ said the officials.

But now, he could be hauled up for ‘‘unauthorised absence.’’

Goswami first asked for a three-year sabbatical to join Sahara but it was turned down as an IAS officer could not proceed on deputation to a private business firm.

He later asked to go on leave but was restrained by the Election Commission since the poll process in the state was not fully over. Finally, he put in his papers after being in service for 13 years.

Since he has not completed 20 years of service, he is not entitled to pension.