Rohan Umak
MP’s 18 officers suspended: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav has exhibited strong administrative discipline, and has initiated action against 18 senior IAS and IPS officers of the state over two years, averaging one such action in every 46 days. The latest action came on Sunday after the Collector and Superintendent of Police (SP) of Guna district were removed.
Collector, SP removed over unruly conduct
Notably, the Chief Minister removed Ankit Soni, the SP of Guna, and Swaroachish Somwanshi, the city’s collector. Soni was removed after the police personnel under his supervision allegedly released a Gujarat-based trader by accepting a bribe of Rs 20 lakh, out of the Rs 1 crore seized from him. Four cops, including a station house officer (SHO) were suspended in the incident.
On the other hand, Somwanshi faced action after the CM received repeated complaints of administrative negligence, including irregular attendance at the Collector’s office and delays in approving key projects.
MP’s 18 officers suspended: Pattern of strict administrative action at a glance
Since assuming office on December 13, 2023, CM Dr Yadav has maintained a firm stance on governance. According to reports, at least 10 IAS officers, including Collectors and 8 IPS officers have faced suspension during his tenure so far.
In total, at least nine major incidents directly led to action against district collectors and SPs, while several senior IPS officers and state administrative officers were levied a fine.
Key cases that triggered action
- In Indore, numerous civic officials were removed after 23 deaths occurred due to contaminated water supply in the Bhagirathpura area.
- In Harda, both the SP and Collector were removed following a deadly firecracker factory blast that claimed 13 lives.
- Officials in Sagar faced CM Dr Yadav’s heat after a wall collapse killed nine children.
- The Collector and SP of Seoni were removed after a major incident involving cattle killings triggered unrest.
- Similarly, in Mauganj, the top officials were replaced after a violent incident led to the death of a police officer, while in Shajapur, a Collector was removed after a controversial video of him went viral.
CM Dr Yadav propagates message of accountability
Repeated actions by CM Dr Yadav echo his emphasis on accountability and administrative efficiency. The government’s approach signals zero tolerance towards negligence, unruly conduct or failure in governance at the district level.
