Udaipur, March 10: In a significant move against corruption in Uttar Pradesh, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) of Etah has been suspended following a viral video that surfaced on social media. The video allegedly shows CDO Nagendra Narayan Mishra demanding ₹10,000 from each Anganwadi worker.
In the footage, Mishra is seen conversing with District Coordinator Sanjeev Pachauri, insisting, “I need ₹10,000 from every Anganwadi. You are my man, Pachauri; arrange the money.” Pachauri reportedly refused to comply with this demand and declined to be involved in any financial transactions.
The issue escalated quickly, reaching the government after the video went viral. Following instructions from Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, CDO Mishra has been suspended with immediate effect and reassigned to headquarters. Mishra, who was promoted from the position of Block Development Officer (BDO), now faces scrutiny for his actions.
This incident is part of a broader crackdown on corruption in 2026, where numerous officials have been suspended, dismissed, or arrested under the directives of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Continuous actions by the Lokayukta, Vigilance, and Anti-Corruption units have led to suspensions across various departments, including Public Works, Revenue, Education, and Health. Reports indicate that junior engineers, clerks, and pharmacists in districts like Bagpat, Firozabad, and Prayagraj have been caught accepting bribes.
Additionally, Joint Director Sheshnath Pandey was dismissed due to proven allegations of administrative and financial irregularities. Meanwhile, ten officials from the Fisheries Department, including Deputy Director Sunita Verma, have been reassigned amid corruption and negligence charges. Following the circulation of bribery videos, eleven police personnel have also faced suspension.
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OP/Piyush