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The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a high-level inquiry into alleged financial irregularities involving Dr. Gyanendra Kumar, the former Principal of Ayodhya Government Medical College.

Following a preliminary investigation that found the allegations to be prima facie valid, the government has recommended departmental disciplinary action against him.

According to official sources on Thursday, Deputy Chief Minister and Medical Education Minister Brajesh Pathak directed the inquiry, and Director General of Medical Education (DGME) Neha Sharma has been assigned to conduct a detailed investigation into the matter.

The probe will examine whether financial decisions taken during Dr. Kumar's leave complied with government rules and whether the relevant procedures were followed.

Dr. Kumar has been accused of approving procurement contracts through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal and signing payment cheques worth crores of rupees while he was on medical leave.

According to the allegations, Dr. Kumar had officially handed over charge to another officer before proceeding on leave due to illness, yet he allegedly continued to authorise financial transactions.

The complaint states that during his leave in January 2023, GeM procurement contracts worth around Rs.84 lakh were approved on January 7 and January 10.

Additionally, nearly Rs.1.29 crore was reportedly released through 17 cheques issued between January 8 and January 10. The complaint alleges that more than Rs.2.12 crore was spent during this period.

The complaint was filed by the then Acting Principal, Dr. Satyajit Verma, and sent to the Deputy Chief Minister, the Principal Secretary of Medical Education, and the Director General of Medical Education.

It alleges that Dr. Kumar exercised financial powers during his leave in violation of established regulations.

Government sources said that once the detailed inquiry report is submitted, departmental as well as legal action will be initiated against Dr. Gyanendra Kumar if the allegations are found to be true.

The investigation is currently underway.