Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government on Monday suspended two senior IAS officers, K. Gopalakrishnan and N. Prashanth, following allegations of misconduct, officials said.
The action against the two IAS officers was initiated by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and was taken following a detailed report by state's Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan, they added.
N. Prashanth has been suspended for making public comments that criticised his superior, Dr. Jayathilak, who is the Additional Chief Secretary. Prashanath posted on Facebook, alleging that the Additional Chief Secretary was behind a news story published in a newspaper which was against him. This led to controversy and unrest within the state administration, officials added.
In a separate incident, K. Gopalakrishnan was suspended in connection with 'Mallu Hindu WhatsApp Group' controversy, they said. Gopalakrishnan had initially claimed that his phone was hacked and that he had no involvement in the formation of the controversial WhatsApp group. After an investigation by Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner G. Sparjan Kumar, it was revealed that the complaint was false. The police found that Gopalakrishnan had indeed been behind the creation of the group, which led to the suspension.
G. Sparjan Kumar, submitted a report to the Kerala Director General of Police, confirming the findings, which were then forwarded to the government for further action. As a result, both officers were suspended pending further investigation into their conduct.
Earlier, Muralidharan submitted a report to the state government seeking action against the two IAS officers.
Amid the row, Muralidharan submitted a written briefing to Vijayan on recent incidents, including potential breaches of All India Service Conduct Rules, 1968, sources said.
Earlier, Gopalakrishnan has held the charge of District Collector of Thiruvananthapuram and Malappuram. Gopalakrishnan also attempted central deputation after forming such a WhatsApp group.
During his tenure as District Collector of Kozhikode, Prashant earned a reputation as a popular collector and was fondly addressed by the locals as 'Collector bro.' Meanwhile, Prashant again mocked Jayathilak and posted a note on Facebook again on Monday.
