Assistant Commissioner orders 61 transfers before retirement:Accused of taking online bribes through hostel superintendent

A controversy has erupted in the Tribal Affairs Department in Khandwa after large-scale transfer and posting orders were issued just before retirement. Assistant Commissioner Santosh Shukla issued 61 transfer orders between March 26 and March 31, involving teachers, hostel superintendents, and support staff. Promotions were also granted in some cases. Shukla retired on March 31, and demands for a departmental inquiry against him are now gaining momentum. Allegations of bypassing approval process It is alleged that the transfer orders were issued without approval from the district’s in-charge minister or even informing the Collector. The department falls under Vijay Shah, yet required administrative approvals were reportedly not taken. Sources claim that several orders were issued beyond the officer’s jurisdiction. Bribery Allegations in Transfers and Postings The Jai Adivasi Yuva Sangathan has filed a complaint with the Chief Minister, demanding an investigation. The complaint alleges that money was taken in exchange for transfers and postings. It claims that hostel superintendent Hemant Sinha acted as an intermediary, with teachers and other officials making online payments to him and his son. Irregularities have also been reported in postings, construction works, and financial transactions across 61 hostels and ashrams in areas such as Rajgarh, Pandhana, Harsud, Khandwa, Mojwadi, Jamanya, Bedimal, Khutla, Asa, and Netisarai. Retired officer denies allegations Responding to the allegations, Santosh Shukla said he was unwell and did not attend office on his last day of service. He maintained that all transfer and posting orders were issued as per rules. Minister promises action Khandwa district in-charge minister Dharmendra Singh Lodhi stated that no approval was taken from him for these transfers. “If such orders were issued in the Tribal Affairs Department, all of them will be cancelled,” he said. Past controversies and Lokayukta action Santosh Shukla has previously been embroiled in controversies. A resident of Rewa, he is reportedly related to Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla. About seven years ago, while posted in Mandla district, he faced a raid by the Lokayukta in a disproportionate assets case. Investigations had revealed benami properties in Rewa and Jabalpur. High Court reprimand in 2023 While serving in Dindori district, Shukla was reprimanded by the Madhya Pradesh High Court on November 6, 2023, in a case related to payment of minimum wages. He later submitted an unconditional apology through an affidavit. However, the court expressed dissatisfaction with his response and directed the Principal Secretary of the Tribal Welfare Department to file a personal affidavit.