IDA staffer suspended after forgery surface in land approval case

Indore: Indore Development Authority (IDA) has suspended a staff member after it was found that forged documents were used to seek residential plotting approval for 0.526 hectare land in Bicholi, Rau.The matter came to light when joint director of town and country planning (T&CP) flagged a suspicious email received on March 31. The email, purportedly from IDA's land acquisition officer, contained a letter regarding the layout approval for survey number 3/2 in Bicholi village.Upon closer inspection, T&CP officials suspected that the document was forged and alerted IDA.An internal investigation conducted by chief town planner and land acquisition officer confirmed the suspicions. The probe found that Shivam Srivastava, a timekeeper stationed in legal branch, had allegedly conspired with outside persons to forge signatures and create fraudulent documents."The investigation is supported by significant evidence, including audio and video recordings in which Srivastava reportedly admits to his involvement in the act. Furthermore, the employee had been continuously absent from duty since April 1 and failed to respond to two separate show-cause notices issued on April 9 and April 13," IDA CEO Parikshit Zade said.Taking a serious view of the misconduct, IDA administration placed Shivam Srivastava under immediate suspension. During the suspension period, he is required to report to single window desk and will be entitled to a subsistence allowance as per rules.A departmental inquiry has been instituted, with law/land acquisition officer Sudeep Meena appointed as inquiry officer. He has been directed to complete the investigation and submit a detailed report within one month.Additionally, IDA has proposed filing of FIR against Srivastava and his accomplices to initiate criminal proceedings.