New Delhi: The Centre has sought a detailed report from Bihar government on suspension of an IAS officer allegedly under pressure of builders and land mafias.
Kuldip Narayan, a 2005 batch IAS officer of Bihar cadre, was suspended in December last year by the Bihar government.
Narayan, who was working as Chief Executive Officer-cum Commissioner of Patna Municipal Corporation, had reportedly taken many steps to check alleged nexus of land mafias and politicians in the state.
The Ministry of Personnel has sought a report from Bihar government on Narayan's suspension. This is the second such explanation sought from the state administration after it allegedly failed to give satisfactory report, official sources said.
In July 2013, while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against illegal constructions, Patna High Court had put a ban on transfer of Kuldip Narayan to ensure action against illegal buildings.
Bihar Government had then filed a special leave petition in Supreme court but lost it on November 25, 2013. Supreme Court had then ordered that whenever government wants to transfer the officer, it should seek permission from Patna High Court, they said.
In August last year, the state government had asked for permission to transfer Narayan saying he had to go on six week Phase-3 training to Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. The High Court declined saying it was trying to seek transfer through back door when it was not needed, the sources said.
In October 2014, Builder Association prayed to High court for transfer of Kuldip Narayan. Court declined and fixed time up to February 2015 for speedy hearing of the cases, they said.
