Sharma removed as Jharkhand Chief Secy, CM orders probe

Sharma, who proceeded on a month’s leave on February 25 — a week after The Indian Express first reported that the state CID had sought sanction to prosecute him on charges of corruption, fraud and criminal conspiracy — has been shunted out as Director General of the Administrative Training Institute (ATI).

Confirming Sharma’s removal, Principal Secretary (Personnel) R S Sharma told The Indian Express that a notification to this effect had been issued on Tuesday. A K Basu, ATI DG, who had been officiating as Chief Secretary after Sharma proceeded on leave, has been given charge of the post.

Sharma’s exit was triggered by a letter that Amitabh Choudhary, IG (CID), wrote to Additional DGP G S Rath, seeking permission to proceed against Sharma under various IPC sections.

Koda has not set any time frame for the inquiry against Sharma but has asked Lok Ayukta Laxman Oraon to probe the findings of the Shivendu report. “We will act in this case once the Lok Ayukta completes the inquiry and submits its report,” Koda said.