The Times of India Reports, In a recent development, Shivanand Naikwadi, the deputy conservator of forests (DCF) overseeing the Ghataprabha division in Gokak, has been suspended pending a departmental inquiry. The suspension comes in the wake of allegations that Naikwadi engaged in inappropriate behavior towards Raibag MLA Duryodhan Aihole. The incident reportedly occurred during a telephone conversation on January 8. MLA Aihole had contacted Naikwadi to inquire about the status of a government building construction project, for which a grant of Rs 30 lakh had been sanctioned. It was reported that the DCF had halted the construction work, prompting the MLA to initiate the call.
During the conversation, Naikwadi allegedly used derogatory language and even threatened to file a case against MLA Aihole at the police station. The audio recording of their exchange subsequently went viral on various social media platforms. Initially, a preliminary inquiry conducted by forest department officials absolved Naikwadi of any wrongdoing, stating that he believed he was speaking to a contractor and was misled into thinking so.
The forest department also asserted that Naikwadi had no grounds to address an MLA in such a manner. However, Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre took a serious view of the matter, particularly due to the public dissemination of the conversation on social media. Naikwadi maintains that he did not record the conversation. The suspension was initiated against him for alleged violations of the All India Service (Discipline and Appeal) Rules of 1969.
Times of India brings this latest development to light, underscoring the significance of upholding professional conduct and respectful communication within public service roles.