Probe on Joint Director of Health Services after FIR over corruption charges

A magisterial inquiry has been initiated against Joint Director Health Services Dr Avijit Basu following an FIR about corruption charges against him in Hailakandi sadar police station by students' organisation PSOYF. 

Additional Deputy Commissioner (in charge of Health) EL Fairheim immediately instituted the probe and directed circle officer Hailakandi Tridip Roy to inquire into the allegations of corruption against Dr Basu and submit a report to him. 

Circle officer Roy submitted a report to ADC Fairheim Monday in which he corroborated the charges of corruption levelled against Dr Basu by the students' organisation on Saturday, official sources said. 

The findings of the magisterial inquiry report are stated to have been sent to the health authorities in Guwahati for initiating action against Dr Basu. 

A case has also been filed by the district administration against the Joint Director at Hailakandi Sadar police station on Sunday. The Hailakandi district administration headed by Deputy Commissioner Adil Khan has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against corruption and has initiated actions against those found indulging in corrupt practices, the sources said. 

A video footage of Dr Basu accepting a bribe from an employee at his office chamber had gone viral in the social media recently. The Directorate of Health Services has immediately transferred and posted Dr Basu to Baska and he handed over charge to Additional Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr Abed Rasul Mazumder on Sunday afternoon, the sources said. 

Investigation is on by the district police which also went to the Office of Joint Director, Health Services on Saturday as part of the probe, they added.

(With inputs from agencies.)