【Hamirpur, Ut】Hamirpur: Major Action on ‘Illegal Extortion’ in Industry Department, Three Officials Suspended for Extorting Money from Beneficiaries

Following the emergence of a case of illegal extortion in government schemes linked to the Industry Department in Hamirpur district, Uttar Pradesh, the administration has taken strict action and suspended three officials with immediate effect. This action was taken after complaints of extorting money from beneficiaries in the name of online application processing, file disposal, and subsidy approval were found to be true.

The suspended officials include Assistant Commissioner of Industry and In-charge Deputy Commissioner of Industry Ravi Verma, Assistant Manager Santosh Rao, and District Manager Milan Kumar. The suspension action was taken based on the report of a two-member inquiry committee comprising the Chief Development Officer and the Additional District Magistrate of Hamirpur.

According to official sources, there had been long-standing complaints regarding various schemes related to the District Industry Office, alleging that illegal money was being demanded from beneficiaries in exchange for getting online applications approved, files disposed of, and subsidies released.

In view of the increasing number of complaints, the district administration had formed an inquiry committee. The committee’s report confirmed that the processes of the schemes were deliberately kept pending due to collusion among the concerned officials, and money was subsequently extorted from the applicants.

After concrete evidence related to corruption emerged in the preliminary investigation, the committee recommended stringent action. Based on the report, the administration has not only suspended the three officials but also issued directives to initiate disciplinary proceedings against them. It has also been clarified that if other officials or employees are found guilty during the investigation, strict action will be taken against them as well.