Deoria, April 11: The state government has taken a tough stand in the case of the death of lawyer Vijendra Singh in the Barhaj police station area of Deoria district in Uttar Pradesh and has suspended the sub divisional magistrate (SDM) Vipin Kumar Dwivedi of Barhaj.
The government has also ordered a departmental inquiry against him, citing prima facie negligence.
The case pertains to village Laxmipur in Barhaj tehsil, where a dispute arose over the construction of a concrete road on land registered in revenue records for a drain and a tube well. During the incident, a heated argument ensued between the SDM and lawyer Vijendra Singh.
It is alleged that the SDM’s reprimand led to the lawyer’s death from a heart attack.
Following the incident, the administration formed a three-member inquiry committee, consisting of the Additional Commissioner of Administration, the Superintendent of Police, and the Additional District Magistrate, City, Gorakhpur. In its report, the committee found the role of the SDM suspicious at first sight and held him responsible for negligence.
Based on the report, the government suspended SDM Vipin Kumar Dwivedi and ordered a departmental inquiry under Rule 7, naming the Commissioner of Prayagraj division as the inquiry officer. During the suspension period, the concerned officer has been attached to the Board of Revenue.
District Magistrate Divya Mittal confirmed the suspension of the SDM in the said case on Saturday.