Investigation Ordered Against Suspended IAS Officer N. Prasanth

The government has announced an investigation against N. Prasanth IAS, who was suspended following allegations of abusing senior IAS officers on social media. Senior IAS officers, Additional Chief Secretary Rajan Khobragade and Principal Secretary Tinku Biswal, have been tasked with conducting the inquiry. This action comes nine months after Prasanth’s initial suspension.

The government clarified that the committee for the investigation was appointed after Prasanth denied all the allegations leveled against him in the memo. The government stated that Prasanth’s justifications for his actions cannot be accepted. The investigation order explicitly rejects Prasanth’s reply to the charge memo.

A difference of opinion with the current Chief Secretary, Dr. A. Jayathilak, had reportedly escalated into a public spat, ultimately leading to Prasanth’s suspension. According to existing rules, an investigation report against a suspended IAS officer should be submitted within six months. However, the investigation into Prasanth’s case is being announced nine months after his suspension. During this period, his suspension had also been extended three times.