Karnataka Forest Official Under Fire For Playing Rummy In Meeting
The incident came to light after a private news channel aired footage showing the officer, identified as Praveen, engrossed in the mobile game while the review meeting was in progress: Reports
RAICHUR: A Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) landed in hot water on Friday after he was allegedly caught playing rummy on his mobile phone during a crucial Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) meeting chaired by Medical Education Minister and Raichur district in-charge Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil at the Zilla Panchayat office.
The incident came to light after a private news channel aired footage showing the officer, identified as Praveen, engrossed in the mobile game while the review meeting was in progress. Taking serious note of the lapse, Minister Dr. Patil questioned the officer during the meeting, asked him to stand up, and sought an immediate explanation.
Visibly embarrassed, the officer reportedly apologised on the spot. However, Dr. Patil expressed strong displeasure, calling the behaviour “unacceptable and inexcusable,” especially in the context of a high-level administrative meeting meant to review development work in the district.
The minister asked the officer to leave the meeting hall and instructed the Deputy Commissioner to issue a show-cause notice and submit a report to the state government recommending disciplinary action.
Considering the gravity of the situation, Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Eshwar Khandre has also taken cognisance of the incident and ordered a show-cause notice to be served to the officer.
