The state government has set the stage for “exemplary disciplinary action” to be taken against senior police officer Umesh Kumar who is facing charges in a case relating to forgery of MP K.M. Khan.
The government received a preliminary report from the department concerned on Mr Umesh’s “unauthorised absence” from duty. He is presently serving as chairman of the Godavari Valley Development Authority.
“We found that he is not attending duty. Nor has he obtained prior permission to stay absent,” a senior official told this newspaper. The general administration department is said to have moved a file recommending disciplinary action against the officer. Sources said chief secretary Pankaj Dwivedi cleared the file and sent it to Chief Minister Mr N. Kiran Kumar Reddy who has to take the final call. Mr Umesh Kumar went incommunicado after the CID tried to execute a non-bailable warrant issued by the trial court after Mr Kumar failed to appear before it. Sources said the government has taken a serious view of the unauthorised absence of such a high-ranking officer and is actively considering suspending him.