The Gujarat government on Thursday compulsorily retired two IAS officers, K Rajesh and Gaurav Dahiya, as part of a wider review of officials facing disciplinary proceedings, corruption allegations and questions over their conduct.
The exercise, referred to as “Operation Gangajal”, focuses on government officials facing corruption cases, disciplinary action and allegations of serious misconduct. The latest action against Rajesh and Dahiya comes against the backdrop of separate proceedings involving both officers.
Who is K Rajesh?
Rajesh, a 2011-batch IAS officer, was already under suspension when the Gujarat government ordered his compulsory retirement. His case involves criminal investigations and legal proceedings concerning alleged bribery, illegal land allotments and money laundering.
The Central Bureau of Investigation arrested Rajesh in 2022 in a corruption case linked to his tenure as Surendranagar collector between April 2018 and June 2021. He was accused of accepting bribes in connection with issuing arms licences and allotting government land.
The Enforcement Directorate later arrested him under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and filed a prosecution complaint.
Born on March 23, 1986, Rajesh studied Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Pondicherry University and joined the IAS in 2011 after clearing the UPSC Civil Services Examination. He previously served as assistant collector in Junagadh and Surat and later worked as district development officer in Surat.
Why was Gaurav Dahiya retired?
Dahiya's compulsory retirement followed several disciplinary proceedings and inquiries into alleged misconduct during his career, according to a Gujarat government official.
He was suspended in August 2019 after a state inquiry committee found substance in allegations of bigamy and professional misconduct made by a woman from Delhi. Dahiya denied the allegations and claimed he was honey-trapped and blackmailed.
Delhi Police later cleared him in the complaint filed by the woman. However, the Gujarat government said departmental inquiries into separate complaints against Dahiya were continuing. Another inquiry was ordered in November 2019 into his financial dealings, including the purchase of a Delhi flat for the woman.
His suspension was lifted in July 2023, nearly four years after it began. He was subsequently posted as additional development commissioner in Gandhinagar, a position he held until his compulsory retirement on Thursday.
Dahiya had around 18 years left in service
Dahiya, who was 42 when he was compulsorily retired, was due to retire in 2044.
Born on June 3, 1984, he completed his MBBS from AIIMS Delhi in 2007 before joining the IAS in 2010. During his career, he worked in the health and environment departments and served as mission director of the National Health Mission. He also held posts including district development officer in Banaskantha and Patan.