Puttur: Aryapu Gram Panchayat PDO suspended over corruption, abuse of power allegations

Puttur: Aryapu Gram Panchayat PDO suspended over corruption, abuse of power allegations

Mangalore Today News Network

Puttur, Sep 24, 2026: Wilfred Lawrence Rodrigues, Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) of Aryapu Gram Panchayat, has been suspended with immediate effect by the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer (CEO) following allegations of corruption, abuse of power and dereliction of duty. Rodrigues had previously served as the PDO of Uppinangady Gram Panchayat.

The disciplinary action follows a visit by Lokayukta officials to the Uppinangady Gram Panchayat office on September 9 to inspect records. During the visit, several members of the public reportedly submitted formal complaints against the PDO.

Based on documents submitted by complainants, including Abdul Rahiman P.A., Sanjeeva Poojary, Ashraf Periyadka, Khaijamma, Atul Kashyap T., Vinayak Pai, Lalitha, local fruit and vegetable vendors S. Ravi Hirtadka, Anil Kumar Jain, Shanthakumari, Sandesh K., Moideen Kutty Hirebandadi and Abdullah Ibnu Mubarak, the Zilla Panchayat CEO had earlier issued a show-cause notice and relieved Rodrigues of his responsibilities at Uppinangady.

The preliminary inquiry reportedly found evidence indicating alleged misuse of official powers, deliberate delays in providing services to citizens, demand for bribes, threats to members of the public and inappropriate conduct.

As these actions were found to be in violation of Rule 3 of the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021, the disciplinary authority recommended his suspension pending a departmental inquiry.

Following the suspension order, some residents of Uppinangady who had allegedly faced harassment by the PDO welcomed the action.

The officer has also previously faced allegations of controversial conduct. He had reportedly locked the wheels of KSRTC and police department vehicles parked inside the panchayat bus stand, causing embarrassment to officials. He was also accused of refusing to cooperate with police by withholding CCTV footage from the panchayat premises required for an investigation, and of regularly behaving disrespectfully towards local residents.