Killed in May’18, Chowkidar suspended for ‘absenteeism’

SRINAGAR: In an unusual case reflecting the lack of coordination among the various levels of functionaries in government departments, a chowkidar in Poonch, who had died five months ago, has been placed under suspension for remaining absent without authorization.

This is not all, however, as another employee, who resigned six months back, has been also placed under suspension along with thirteen employees.

As the things unfolded, the Sub Divisional Magistrate Mendhar in Poonch paid a surprise visit to Block Development Office (BDO) Balakote, and found several employees unauthorizedly absent from duty and ordered the suspension of 15 employees.

Among them was a chowkidar who had died five months ago and a Junior Assistant who had resigned from his job six months ago to join another department.

Chowkidar Mohammad Yousuf had died in a road mishap at Bimber Gali on May 11 this year whereas Junior Assistant Mohammad Hussain had resigned six months back from the post and joined education department as a junior assistant, presently posted in ZEO office Mendhar.

When contacted, BDO Balokote confirmed the reports, while there was no official word from SDM Mendhar out.