'Prasanth tarnished govt’s image, Gopalakrishnan aimed at caste discrimination'; serious remarks in order suspending two

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government order has serious remarks against suspended IAS officers, N Prasanth, special secretary to agriculture department and K Gopalakrishnan, director of industries department. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took action based on the report submitted by chief secretary Sarada Muraleedharan. Since they acted against the service rules, the chief secretary had recommended that action be taken without seeking an explanation.

The chief secretary's order mentioned that both of them tried to create division among civil service officers. Prasanth's actions tarnished the image of the administration. Disciplinary action was taken against Prasanth for criticising a senior officer. He also tried to create division among civil service officers.

K Gopalakrishnan's phone has not been hacked. Gopalakrishnan created a religion-based WhatsApp group. The phone was given for inspection after resetting it. The WhatsApp group was created with the aim of creating division among IAS officers and destroying unity. The order also stated that Gopalakrishnan aimed to create caste division among IAS officers.

Action was taken against Prasanth for levelling serious allegations against additional chief secretary Jayathilak. Gopalakrishnan was suspended for creating a religion based WhatsApp group. However, there is no complaint that the two officers showed any negligence or irregularities in their duties. Therefore, this is not an administrative action. Both will be issued show cause notices. The explanation they provide will be evaluated to decide whether the suspension should continue or not.