Bengaluru: The Karnataka Government has initiated a departmental inquiry into senior IAS Officer Rohini Sindhuri following allegations of financial irregularities and the falsification of information during her tenure as the Deputy Commissioner of Mysuru district in 2018-19.

The investigation was officially ordered on June 9, 2023. The inquiry has been initiated to investigate the alleged irregularities related to the renovation of the Mysuru DC’s residence and the procurement of clothing and bags. These allegations date back to Nov. 24, 2022, when an initial inquiry report was submitted to the Government.

During the preliminary examination, it became evident that the responses provided by Rohini Sindhuri were insufficient, and essential documents were not provided. This prompted the Government to take further action.

The Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR), Under-Secretary James Tarakan, issued the order, appointing senior Karnataka-cadre IAS Officer Yogendra Tripathi, currently on Central deputation, to lead the probe. The other officer in the probe team is BBMP Special Commissioner Ujwal Kumar Ghosh. Notably, this marks the third time in the past three years that an investigation has been launched against Rohini Sindhuri.

At the centre of these allegations is the claim that, while serving as the Deputy Commissioner of Mysuru, Rohini Sindhuri oversaw unauthorised renovations, including the construction of an alleged illegal swimming pool, within a heritage building — the residential bungalow of Mysuru DC.

The allegations against Rohini, brought forth by S.R. Mahesh, now former JD(S) MLA and a close associate of former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, include claims of financial irregularities. Specifically, she was accused of procuring sub-standard bags as part of a Government consignment at Rs. 52 each, despite their availability in the market for Rs. 10 to Rs. 13.

In response to these allegations, Rohini Sindhuri submitted an official reply on May 4, 2023. However, after examining her response, the State Government determined that her clarification was insufficient. Consequently, the Government has now ordered the departmental inquiry to ensure a thorough and impartial examination of the matter.