Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda has relieved his Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Deepam Rai Choura, with immediate effect following reports of alleged irregularities in liquor contracts during the 2024-25 financial year.
In a statement, Devda said he learned about the matter through a newspaper report and immediately directed the concerned department to conduct an investigation.
Deputy CM Says OSD Was Not Serving in His Office During the Period
Devda clarified that during the period in question, Deepam Rai Choura was posted as an Assistant Excise Officer in Bhopal and was not working as his OSD at that time.
The clarification comes amid questions over alleged irregularities linked to liquor contracts during the 2024-25 period.
Department Ordered to Investigate
Devda said he instructed the concerned department to begin an investigation as soon as the matter came to his notice.
He emphasised that the inquiry must be conducted fairly and without bias. As a step towards ensuring an impartial investigation, Choura has been removed from the OSD position with immediate effect.
Action Taken to Ensure Fair Inquiry
The Deputy Chief Minister’s announcement focuses on ensuring that the investigation proceeds without any questions over the officer’s current position in his office.
However, the allegations concerning liquor contracts remain subject to investigation. No findings establishing wrongdoing have been announced in the statement.
Investigation Now in Focus
The case has drawn attention to alleged irregularities in liquor contracts during the 2024-25 financial year. The outcome of the departmental inquiry is expected to clarify the nature of the alleged violations and whether further action is required.
Devda has ordered a probe and removed his OSD from the post, saying the priority is to ensure a fair and impartial investigation.