Probe against govt official for not recognizing Smriti Irani over phone

LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a probe against a government official, who failed to recognize Union Minister and Amethi MP Smriti Irani over the phone. The minister had called Deepak, a government clerk, to investigate over a complaint. However, Deepak was unable to recognize the minister.

Smriti Irani had called up Deepak on the complaint of Karunesh, a resident of Poore Pahalwan village in Musafirkhana. According to the complaint, Karunesh stated that after the death of his father, his mother Savitri Devi is entitled to pension. However, Deepak has not completed the verification and hence the pension is stuck. When the minister called Deepak to inquire about the matter, the latter was unable to identify her voice.

Soon after, the Chief Development Officer (CDO), who was with the minister, picked up the phone and asked Deepak to meet him at his office. On primary investigation, it was found that Deepak had committed fault in his official duty. The Musafirkhana sub-divisional magistrate has directed a detailed investigation into the incident. Following which, further action will be taken.