Karnataka: 'Fake IAS officer' held sway over hospital staff

Chikkamagaluru: A man identified as Mithun, who allegedly posed as an IAS officer and claimed to be the Commissioner of the National Health Mission (NHM), had reportedly gained the confidence of district hospital staff and officials, besides being felicitated at several public events for purportedly clearing the UPSC examination.

Mithun, who introduced himself as a native of Chikkaballekere village in Kadur taluk, had introduced himself to District Surgeon Dr H B Chandrashekar as the NHM Commissioner and district in-charge for Chikkamagaluru. Believing his claims, Dr Chandrashekar had also introduced him to other officials.

Following Mithun’s arrest, photographs of him attending meetings at the district hospital and being felicitated by religious leaders at a Basava Tatva Peetha gathering have been circulating widely on social media.

Dr Chandrashekar said he believed Mithun to be an IAS officer based on his behaviour and appearance. “I felt proud that a youth from a rural background had cleared the IAS examination through hard work. Only now have I come to know that he was fake,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Lisa Foundation has demanded action against Dr Chandrashekar, alleging that Mithun was introduced to medical shop owners through him. The foundation claimed Mithun had promised to secure a Rs 1.80-crore contract to supply medicines to all Primary Health Centres in the district, and insisted that Dr Chandrashekar be suspended and subjected to an inquiry.

Responding to the issue, Chikkamagaluru Medical College Dean Dr Ravi said Mithun was not personally known to him and had never visited his office. “I saw him once sitting in the District Surgeon’s room and asked who he was. Dr Chandrashekar told me he was a probationary IAS officer. I had doubts,” he said.

He clarified that Mithun had not conducted any official meetings with hospital officials or staff. “As the police are investigating the case, no departmental inquiry has been initiated so far,” he added.

In the wake of the incident, BJP workers staged a protest in the city, alleging administrative failure and demanding action against the District Surgeon for introducing the fake officer to others.

A case has been registered at Amruthahalli Police Station in Bengaluru based on a complaint filed by medical shop owner S G Satish. District Surgeon Dr Chandrashekar also visited the police station on Friday to record his statement.

According to Satish’s complaint, Mithun was introduced to him through D R Chandrashekar, and Rs 36 lakh was allegedly paid as a bribe in Chandrashekar’s presence. He further claimed that an additional Rs 5 lakh was transferred to Mithun’s bank account.

Dr Chandrashekar stated that since his name was mentioned in the complaint, he had appeared to give his statement. He added that Mithun had allegedly cheated him as well and said he would file a separate complaint with the Chikkamagaluru police on Saturday.