Karnataka officer suspended for checking PM Modi’s copter

BENGALURU/ BHUBANESWAR: The Election Commission on Wednesday suspended Karnataka-cadre IAS officer Mohammad Mohsin for dereliction of duty in Sambalpur district, Odisha, where he's posted as a general observer.

The order on Tuesday says ECI found Mohsin's action in Sambalpur "prima facie contrary to the instructions of the commission concerning SPG protectees". Sources said when PM Narendra Modi reached Sambalpur on Tuesday to address a rally, election officials inspected his convoy, a violation of protocol.

On condition of anonymity, a senior police officer present at Sambalpur airstrip said, "A team of poll officials led by Mohsin inspected some papers in the chopper carrying the PM. The inspection delayed his arrival at the meeting venue by around 20 minutes which was reported to the ECI."

Mohsin is currently secretary, backward classes department. Karnataka chief secretary TM Vijay Bhaskar said the state cannot intervene in the matter and he's not aware of details of the incident. "Mohsin has been suspended and will be confined to Sambalpur district headquarters," he said.

Asked if the order prevents the officer from carrying out his duties after the elections, Bhaskar said, "Only after we receive further directives from the commission we can consider the next step."