MAPUSA
The Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB) has dismissed its head clerk, Pratik Gawas, from government service for misappropriating nearly Rs 24 lakh from staff salaries.
The dismissal order was issued by IPHB Director Dr S M Bandekar following disciplinary proceedings against Gawas.
Gawas, who served as an Upper Divisional Clerk (UDC), was suspended last year after an internal inquiry uncovered the financial fraud. He was subsequently arrested for siphoning funds meant for third-party employee deductions at the institute.
The dismissal order also mandates that the salary due to Gawas from January 1, 2025, until his termination be forfeited to offset the misappropriated amount. Authorities have stated that additional measures will be taken to recover the remaining funds from his final settlement, if applicable.
“The UDC has failed to maintain absolute integrity, devotion to duty and has acted in a manner unbecoming of a government servant, thereby violating Rule 3(1) (i), (ii) and (iii) of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964,” Dr Bandekar stated in the dismissal order.
Gawas was assigned to the Accounts Section from October 2017 to August 2024, during which time he illegally transferred Rs 23.91 lakh from third-party employee deductions into his personal account.
During the investigation, he unambiguously admitted to the financial misconduct and later deposited Rs 10 lakh as partial repayment, appealing for reinstatement. However, his request was denied.
The fraud came to light when a staff member noticed discrepancies in loan and insurance premium deductions from their salary. An internal investigation revealed that the deducted funds were being diverted to Gawas’ personal account. IPHB officials then lodged a formal complaint with the police, leading to Gawas’ suspension and subsequent legal action.
Authorities have assured that stringent steps will be taken to recover the remaining misappropriated funds and prevent such incidents in the future.
