UPSC topper Srushti Deshmukh’s IAS husband Nagarjun accused of taking Rs 10 crore bribe

In a shocking turn of events, Srushti Jayant Deshmukh, a 2019 UPSC topper, and her husband, Dr. Nagarjun B. Gowda, a 2019-batch IAS officer, have found themselves at the center of a major corruption controversy.

Gowda, while serving as the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) in Harda, Madhya Pradesh, is accused of accepting a Rs 10 crore bribe to reduce a Rs 51 crore penalty imposed on a mining company to a mere Rs 4,000.

Background:

Srushti Deshmukh, who secured an All India Rank (AIR) of 5 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, and Gowda, who achieved AIR 418, were once celebrated as an ideal IAS couple. Their commitment to public service and ethical standards was widely recognized, with Deshmukh even co-authoring a book on ‘Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude’ aimed at guiding future civil servants.

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The Allegations:

According to reports, RTI activist Anand Jaat has alleged that Gowda, during his tenure in Harda, accepted a Rs 10 crore bribe from a construction company. In exchange, he allegedly reduced the company's fine from Rs 51 crore to just Rs 4,000, citing the presence of valid mining permissions for over half the land involved.

However, Gowda has defended his actions, stating that the decision was based solely on the documents available in court and that there was no evidence to justify a higher penalty.

Public Reaction:

The allegations have sparked widespread outrage, especially among the civil services community. Many are expressing disbelief that individuals who once championed ethics and integrity are now embroiled in such a scandal. Critics argue that this case highlights the deep-rooted corruption within the bureaucracy and raises questions about the effectiveness of ethical training programs for civil servants.

Conclusion:

The case of Srushti Deshmukh and Nagarjun B. Gowda serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in upholding ethical standards within India's civil services. As investigations continue, it remains to be seen how this scandal will impact public trust in the bureaucracy and the measures that will be taken to ensure accountability and transparency in the future.