Raipur: The Chhattisgarh government has suspended a senior official of the Water Resources Department (WRD) with immediate effect following a controversy over a viral audio clip.
Shashank Singh, Executive Engineer of the Hasdeo Canal Water Management Division in Janjgir, was suspended after an inquiry prima facie found him guilty of misconduct.
According to an official order issued by the Ministry of Water Resources, Mahanadi Bhawan, Nava Raipur, an audio clip of a conversation between Singh and his subordinate driver, Shashikant Sahu, went viral on social media on 12 May 2026. The matter was also reported in local newspapers on 13 May 2026.
Following the reports, the Janjgir-Champa Additional District Magistrate conducted an investigation and recorded statements from both parties. The inquiry report revealed that Singh used highly abusive, objectionable, and unparliamentary language against Sahu over the phone. The report further noted that the Executive Engineer made inappropriate remarks about senior administrative officials of the district and allegedly harassed the driver, damaging the public image of the administration.
The state government found Singh’s behavior to be a violation of Rule 3 of the Chhattisgarh Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1965. Action has been taken under Rule 9(1)(a) of the Chhattisgarh Civil Services (Classification, Control, and Appeal) Rules, 1966.
During the suspension period, Singh’s headquarters will be attached to the Office of the Engineer-in-Chief, Water Resources Department, Shivnath Bhawan, Nava Raipur. He will be entitled to a subsistence allowance during this period.
The order, issued in the name of the Governor of Chhattisgarh, was signed by Deputy Secretary Ravindra Kumar Medhekar on 16 May 2026.
