Patna district magistrate Dr. Thiyagarajan S.M. (in centre)
By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: The District Magistrate of Patna, has dismissed a revenue employee with immediate effect over serious allegations of negligence and irregularities in official duties. Madhesh Ram, a revenue staff member posted at the Punpun circle office, was found guilty of creating fraudulent land revenue receipts and using them to establish illegal land records (jamabandi). The charges were confirmed following a detailed inquiry.
Investigations revealed that during his earlier posting in Masaurhi circle, Ram issued fake revenue receipts and recommended the issuance of Land Possession Certificates (LPCs) to benefit certain landholders. In several cases during 2019–20, receipts were generated in the names of individuals who did not even exist at the time. The corresponding land records, however, were formally created later in 2021–22 through mutation cases—indicating a deliberate manipulation of records.
District Magistrate Dr. Thiyagarajan S.M. stated that the employee had misused his position and acted with wrongful intent, violating established rules. “The issuance of fake receipts and recommendations for ownership certificates based on fraudulent records is completely unlawful. This has severely violated government revenue regulations and tarnished the office’s reputation,” he said.
The disciplinary process was initiated after the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Masaurhi submitted a formal charge sheet. The Additional Collector of Patna was appointed as the inquiry officer, while the Circle Officer of Masaurhi acted as the presenting officer. All charges were proven during the proceedings.
Despite being given adequate opportunity to defend himself, Ram’s explanation was found to be fabricated and unconvincing.
Officials noted that his conduct violated the Bihar Government Servants’ Rules, 2005, and was deemed against public interest. Consequently, he was removed from service with immediate effect. The District Magistrate emphasised that no form of negligence or irregularity in public duties would be tolerated.
Masaurhi SDO Abhishek Kumar said that repeated complaints had been received against the accused for fraudulent activities. “A thorough investigation confirmed the allegations, following which a recommendation for strict action was sent to the District Magistrate,” he added.
The administration reiterated its commitment to the government’s zero-tolerance policy, directing all officials to maintain transparency and accountability in public service.
Notably, a similar action was taken earlier on September 24, 2024, when the then District Magistrate Dr Chandrashekhar Singh dismissed two clerks from the Punpun circle over related irregularities. The latest action has created a sense of concern among employees in the department.
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