Bengaluru: Dr Ankita Yaragal, niece of Bagalkot Congress MLA Umesh Meti, has been removed from her post as a medical officer at a state-run Namma Clinic after authorities found she was allegedly pursuing postgraduate medical studies while remaining absent from duty.
According to an inquiry notice issued by Bagalkot Zilla Panchayat CEO Gajanan Bale, Dr Yaragal was allegedly absent from the Namma Clinic in Wambay Colony from March 3, leaving the facility without a medical officer. She was reportedly drawing more than Rs 70,000 in salary or honorarium during the period.
Dr Yaragal was asked to appear for an inquiry but did not attend despite permission from the principal of S Nijalingappa Medical College.
She has now been directed to appear before the Zilla Panchayat CEO on September 18 with relevant documents and a written explanation.
District Health Officer Rajkumar Yaragal, her father, has reportedly removed her from duty.
Authorities said any salary or honorarium paid during an unauthorised dual engagement could be recovered under applicable rules.
Disciplinary action could also follow, with the matter potentially being referred to the Karnataka Medical Council and National Medical Commission over alleged professional misconduct and ethical violations.
Rajkumar Yaragal has disputed the allegations, claiming his daughter had not drawn a salary after joining the MD course.
The allegations remain under official inquiry, and no final finding has yet been reached.
