2 weeks ago
Karnataka Investigates MLA’s Niece Over Medical Officer Salary
Dr Ankita Yaragal worked as a doctor at a government-linked clinic in Bagalkot.
She was also studying for an MD course at a private medical college.
Officials said she may have been away from the clinic for several months while still receiving or being recorded for a salary.
Reports differed on the amount, describing it as Rs 75,000 or more than Rs 70,000 per month.
Patients reportedly said the clinic doctor was absent and nurses were running the clinic.
The district administration began an inquiry after she did not attend one hearing.
Officials said she could face disciplinary action and might have to return money if rules were broken.
Her father said he had not released her salary after becoming the district health officer.
The case may also be referred to medical regulators.
Dr Ankita R Yaragal, niece of MLA Umesh Meti, faced allegations of drawing a government-linked salary while pursuing an MD course.
She was appointed on contract at the Namma Clinic in Wambe Colony, Bagalkot, with reports putting her monthly pay at Rs 75,000 or more than Rs 70,000.
Officials and patients alleged she was absent from the clinic for months, while nurses managed services and her attendance remained recorded.
Zilla Panchayat CEO Gajanan Bale ordered action, sought an official report and scheduled another inquiry after Dr Yaragal failed to appear.
Authorities warned of disciplinary action, possible referral to medical regulators and recovery of salary paid during any unauthorised dual engagement; her father said he had not released her salary after becoming DHO.
- Who
- Dr Ankita R Yaragal, niece of Bagalkot MLA Umesh Meti and daughter of District Health Officer Rajkumar Yaragal, is the subject of the inquiry.
- What
- Authorities are investigating alleged prolonged absence from a Namma Clinic while pursuing postgraduate studies and receiving or being eligible for a government-linked salary.
- Where
- Namma Clinic in Wambe Colony, Bagalkot town, Karnataka, and the Bagalkot Zilla Panchayat office.
- When
- She was appointed in April 2025 according to one report; another says the alleged absence ran from March 3 until September, with a further inquiry scheduled for September 18.
- Why
- Officials are examining alleged unauthorised dual engagement, dereliction of duty and possible professional misconduct.
Authorities’ Allegations
Responses and Defense
Clinic attendance
Authorities’ Allegations
Officials, patients and a local activist alleged that Dr Yaragal had not attended the clinic for months, leaving nurses to manage it; her attendance was reportedly recorded.
Responses and Defense
No direct public response from Dr Yaragal was reported. Her father said he instructed the taluk health officer to relieve her from duty.
Salary and dual engagement
Authorities’ Allegations
Authorities alleged that she pursued an MD course while drawing or being paid a monthly government-linked salary, potentially violating service and professional rules.
Responses and Defense
Rajkumar Yaragal said he had not released her salary after assuming charge as district health officer. The report also said the principal of SN Medical College had granted her permission for the course.
Inquiry and penalties
Authorities’ Allegations
The CEO warned of disciplinary action, referral to medical regulators and recovery of salary if unauthorised dual engagement was established.
Responses and Defense
Dr Yaragal’s failure to attend an initial inquiry led to a notice for a later hearing; officials said an ex parte decision could follow if she again failed to appear.
Key facts
- Position
- Contract medical officer at Namma Clinic, Wambe Colony
- Reported salary
- Rs 75,000 per month in one report; more than Rs 70,000 in another
- Medical course
- MD in Pathology at a private medical college
- Alleged absence
- Reports said she was absent for about three months or from March 3 until September
- Official action
- She was reportedly removed or directed to be relieved from duty, and an inquiry was initiated
- Possible consequences
- Disciplinary action, referral to the Karnataka Medical Council or National Medical Commission, and recovery of salary
- Defense statement
- Rajkumar Yaragal said he had not released her salary after becoming district health officer
Quotes
Dr Rajkumar Yaragal
Bagalkot district health officer and Dr Ankita Yaragal’s father
“Her father, Dr Rajkumar, is behind her appointment, and it is not just a waste of taxpayers’ money and illegal, but also a deprivation of healthcare facilities by the government. The Namma Clinic has been found shut down.”
indianexpress.com
“I have not released her salary after I assumed charge as DHO. I have instructed the taluk health officer to relieve her from duty”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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