The Government of India has suspended Yogendra Kumar Mishra, a 2014-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS-IT) officer currently serving as Joint Commissioner of Income Tax in Kashipur, following his alleged involvement in a serious criminal incident.
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), under the Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, issued an official suspension order invoking Rule 10(1) of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965. The order was issued with the approval of the President of India, reflecting the gravity of the situation.
Criminal Case Under Investigation
Mr. Mishra is currently under investigation for a criminal offence, the nature of which has not been officially detailed. However, sources suggest it is related to an alleged physical assault on a junior officer during a departmental meeting in Lucknow. The incident has prompted swift administrative action to ensure the integrity of the investigation.
Transfer of Headquarters to Kolkata
As part of the suspension terms, Mishra’s official headquarters have been shifted to Kolkata, under the jurisdiction of the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax (CCA), West Bengal and Sikkim. He has been instructed not to leave the designated headquarters without prior approval, a standard protocol during ongoing disciplinary inquiries.
“The President… hereby places the said Mr Yogendra Kumar Mishra… under suspension with immediate effect,” the suspension order stated.
Background: Violent Altercation at Official Meeting
The action follows an FIR filed by IRS officer Gaurav Garg (2016 batch), currently serving as Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax in Lucknow. Garg alleged that during a closed-door meeting on May 29 at the Income Tax office in Hazratganj, Mishra assaulted him, attempting to strangle and stab him with a broken glass tumbler. The alleged attack reportedly stemmed from a dispute over captaincy of a departmental cricket team.
Legal Charges Filed
Mr. Mishra has been booked under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984, including:
Section 109(1) – Attempt to murder
Section 121(2) – Causing hurt to a public servant
Section 221 – Obstruction of duty
Section 324(3) – Mischief
Section 351(3) – Criminal intimidation
Section 352 – Intentional insult
Officer Denies Allegations, Cites Vendetta
In response, Mr. Mishra issued a public statement via X (formerly Twitter) on June 2, denying all allegations. He claimed that the charges are part of a deliberate smear campaign linked to his role in exposing irregularities in tax investigations during his predecessor’s tenure in Kanpur.
“I am being harassed through false allegations and police complaints for exposing corruption. The truth must come out,” Mishra stated.
Significance
The suspension of a senior IRS officer amid such grave allegations highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency within the civil services. The case continues to draw attention, and further developments are expected as the investigation progresses.
