Anil Ramod, an IAS officer, has been suspended by the Maharashtra Government after being arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on corruption charges. Ramod was taken into custody earlier this month for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 8 lakh.
The decision to suspend Ramod came after the CBI recommended his suspension, prompting Pune Divisional Commissioner Saurabh Rao to propose the action to the state government. Acting on this proposal, Prashant Sajanikar, Joint Secretary, issued the suspension order on Wednesday.
According to the order issued by Sajanikar, Ramod has spent more than 48 hours in jail since his arrest on June 9. As per sub-rule (2) A rule 3 of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, this qualifies as grounds for suspension. During his suspension period, Ramod will be required to stay in Pune and obtain prior permission from the Divisional Commissioner if he wishes to leave the city.
The order also prohibits Ramod from accepting any private employment or engaging in any trade or business while under suspension. Any violation of these conditions will be considered misconduct, subjecting him to further disciplinary action.
Ramod is currently incarcerated after a special court denied his bail request on June 16, citing concerns that his influence could impede the investigation and send a negative message to those affected by his alleged actions.
The IAS officer was arrested for allegedly demanding bribes in exchange for granting higher compensation to farmers whose lands were being acquired for highway projects.
The CBI had previously informed the court that Ramod is a “habitual offender.” During the investigation, the agency discovered Rs 1.26 lakh in cash in Ramod’s office cabin, while a search of his residence in Baner led to the seizure of Rs 6.64 crore, important documents, and incriminating evidence. The CBI also found Rs 47 lakh in 17 bank accounts belonging to Ramod and his family members. Additionally, during a search at the office of “M/S Vedalaxmi Developers Designers Private Limited,” registered under Ramod’s wife’s name, incriminating documents were uncovered.