Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Karnataka MLA’s Niece Removed Amid Dual Engagement Investigation
Dr Ankita Yaragal worked as a doctor at a government clinic in Bagalkot.
Officials say she was also studying for a postgraduate medical degree at a private college.
They are checking whether she was allowed to do both things at the same time.
Officials also say she was absent from the clinic for several days.
Her father says she did not receive a salary after starting her studies.
She did not attend the first inquiry.
She must now provide documents and an explanation on September 18.
Officials will decide what happens after reviewing her response.
Dr Ankita Yaragal was removed from her medical officer post at a government Namma Clinic in Bagalkot.
Officials are investigating allegations that she pursued postgraduate medical studies while holding the government position.
Authorities say she was absent from the clinic for several days and may have received more than ₹70,000 during the alleged overlap.
Yaragal missed an initial inquiry and has been directed to appear before the Bagalkot Zilla Panchayat CEO on September 18.
Her father denies that she received a salary after joining the postgraduate course; possible recovery and disciplinary action remain under review.
- Who
- Dr Ankita Yaragal, officials of the Bagalkot Zilla Panchayat and health department, and her father, District Health Officer Rajkumar Yaragal.
- What
- Yaragal was removed from her medical officer post while officials investigate alleged dual engagement, unauthorised absence and possible salary payments.
- When
- The next inquiry is scheduled for September 18; the year is not specified.
- Where
- A government Namma Clinic and the Bagalkot Zilla Panchayat in Bagalkot, Karnataka.
- Why
- Officials are examining whether Yaragal simultaneously held the government post and pursued postgraduate medical studies, potentially violating service rules.
Authorities’ allegations
Doctor’s family’s response
Simultaneous employment and study
Authorities’ allegations
Officials are investigating whether Ankita Yaragal continued holding the government medical officer post while pursuing postgraduate studies at a private medical college.
Doctor’s family’s response
Her father disputes the allegation that she continued receiving government benefits while studying and says she had not received a salary since joining the postgraduate programme.
Absence from the clinic
Authorities’ allegations
Officials say Yaragal was absent from the Namma Clinic for several days, leaving it without a medical officer, and have sought an explanation.
Doctor’s family’s response
The supplied account does not include a detailed public explanation from Yaragal herself for the reported absence.
Potential misconduct and penalties
Authorities’ allegations
Authorities are considering recovery of any improperly paid salary or honorarium, disciplinary action, and possible referrals to medical regulators if violations are established.
Doctor’s family’s response
The family’s position is that the allegations have not been proven; the inquiry is still pending and no final finding has been issued.
- Doctor under investigation
- Dr Ankita Yaragal
- Government posting
- Medical officer at a government Namma Clinic in Bagalkot
- Alleged overlap
- Government employment while pursuing a postgraduate medical course at a private medical college
- Alleged payment
- More than ₹70,000 in salary or honorarium, according to the allegation
- Next inquiry
- September 18 before the Bagalkot Zilla Panchayat CEO
- Possible consequences
- Salary recovery, disciplinary proceedings, and possible referral to the Karnataka Medical Council and National Medical Commission
- Current status
- No final finding has been issued