Bhubaneswar: The Gujarat government has placed IAS officer Rajendrakumar Patel under suspension after his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on January 2 under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), officials confirmed on Saturday.
The suspension has been ordered in accordance with All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, which provide for mandatory suspension of an officer upon arrest by a central investigating agency in connection with serious criminal charges. The suspension will remain in force until further orders or the conclusion of judicial proceedings.
ED Probe and Arrest
According to officials familiar with the matter, the ED arrested Patel as part of an ongoing money laundering investigation, following the registration of a case under the PMLA. The probe is understood to be linked to alleged financial irregularities, though the agency has not yet made public detailed findings or the full scope of the allegations.
Under PMLA provisions, the ED is empowered to investigate offences related to the generation, concealment, possession, or use of proceeds of crime, and arrests are made only after recording reasons and securing requisite approvals.
Administrative Action by the State
Following the arrest, the Gujarat government initiated disciplinary proceedings as per service norms governing IAS officers. During the suspension period, Patel will not be allowed to hold any official charge and will be entitled only to a subsistence allowance, as prescribed under the rules.
Officials said the state government is awaiting further developments in the case and will take subsequent action based on the outcome of the investigation and directions of the competent court.
Legal Process Ahead
Legal experts note that suspension in such cases is procedural and not punitive, and does not imply guilt. The officer will have the opportunity to contest the charges during the course of judicial proceedings. Any departmental inquiry, if initiated, would typically follow the progress of the criminal case.
The ED investigation is ongoing, and further disclosures are expected as the agency examines financial records, transaction trails, and other material evidence related to the case.
-OdishaAge
