Mon Nov 11 17:41:20 UTC 2024: ## Kerala Government Suspends Two Top IAS Officers for Misconduct
**Thiruvananthapuram, November 11, 2024:** In a significant move, the Kerala government has suspended two senior IAS officers, K. Gopalakrishnan and N. Prasanth, on charges of official misconduct, negligence, and impropriety. The decision was made based on an inquiry report submitted by Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan.
Gopalakrishnan, Director of the Industries department, came under scrutiny for allegedly creating a WhatsApp group named “Mallu Hindu” for civil servants. This revelation sparked controversy during recent by-elections, as it raised concerns about potential bias within the bureaucracy.
The inquiry report found little evidence to support Gopalakrishnan’s claim of his phone being hacked, raising further questions about his conduct.
Prasanth, Special Secretary of Agriculture, was suspended for publicly criticizing a superior officer, Additional Chief Secretary A. Jayathilak, and for making disparaging social media posts that were deemed insubordinate.
Furthermore, Prasanth faced accusations from CPI(M) leader J. Mercykutty Amma, who alleged he conspired to benefit the opposition UDF by creating the impression that the LDF government was colluding with international deep-sea fishing companies.
This suspension comes amidst ongoing political controversy regarding the government’s alleged involvement in deep-sea fishing agreements, a sensitive issue for Kerala’s coastal communities.
The suspensions of these two senior officials highlight the Kerala government’s zero-tolerance approach towards misconduct within its bureaucracy.
First Piper 