Srinagar, July 20 (JKNS): The Chief Horticulture Officer (CHO), Baramulla, has placed an official under suspension with immediate effect over alleged misconduct and unprofessional behaviour during an online departmental meeting held on July 20.
According to an order issued by the Chief Horticulture Officer, a copy of which lies with news agency JKNS, Mr. Hafizullah Khan, Incharge HTG-IV of Horticulture Zone Nihalpora, has been placed under suspension pending an enquiry into his alleged misconduct during the online meeting.
The order states that during the suspension period, the official shall remain attached with the office of the Incharge Fruit Plant Nursery, Sundri.
It further states that the official was also found violating Section 4 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, relating to the public smoking ban, following which a fine of ₹200 has been imposed. The amount will be recovered by the office cashier and deposited under the relevant government head, the order reads.
Meanwhile, the department has constituted a four-member inquiry committee to probe the matter and submit its findings and recommendations for further action.
The committee will be headed by District Horticulture Officer, Baramulla, Jagjit Singh, while Horticulture Development Officer Bomai Abdul Hamid Khan, Horticulture Development Officer Pattan Muzamil Rasool, and Head Assistant Farooq Ahmad Hajam have been nominated as members.
The committee has been directed to conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident and furnish its report to the competent authority for further necessary action. (JKNS)
