A significant controversy has engulfed IAS officer Dr. Nagarjuna B. Gowda, currently serving as CEO of Khandwa District Panchayat, concerning a substantial reduction in a mining penalty imposed during his previous tenure as Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Harda. The allegations, brought forth by RTI activist Anand Jat, suggest a penalty of Rs 51 crore for illegal mining was reduced to a nominal Rs 4,032 by Dr. Gowda.
Siddharth Jain, the Collector and District Magistrate of Harda, has addressed the accusations, asserting that due process was strictly followed. He clarified that initial notices in mining cases are standard procedure to solicit explanations and stated that there is no indication of corruption. “The concerned presiding officer (IAS Gowda) has followed the due process of law and gave a proper speaking order which is in the public domain for everyone to see. If anyone is not satisfied, they can appeal against the verdict. This is a judicial process,” Jain commented.
As of now, no appeals have been lodged against Dr. Gowda’s order, and the activist has not submitted any supporting evidence. Dr. Gowda, a 2019-batch IAS officer, is also recognized for his medical background, active social media presence, and role as a mentor to UPSC aspirants. He is married to fellow IAS officer Srushti Jayant Deshmukh.
The dispute centers on an alleged incident of unauthorized gravel extraction by Path India Company, a contractor for the Indore–Betul National Highway. An initial notice proposed a fine of Rs 51.67 crore. However, Dr. Gowda’s subsequent review, based on a Tehsildar’s report and site assessment, concluded that only 2,688 cubic meters were extracted, leading to the significantly lower fine of Rs 4,032. It’s crucial to understand that the Rs 51 crore was an initial notice, not a final assessment.
RTI activist Anand Jat has claimed that crucial evidence, including visual documentation, was ignored, and the reduction was unwarranted. He has called for a thorough review of the decision to ensure accountability. Notably, reports suggest the activist faces several criminal charges.
Dr. Gowda has firmly denied any wrongdoing, emphasizing that his judgment was based on meticulous legal examination and the evidence presented. He pointed out deficiencies in the initial investigation report and the lack of concrete proof of large-scale illegal mining. The absence of any appeals over two years further validates the integrity of his decision, he added.