The Madhya Pradesh government has taken major action against senior IAS officer Santosh Verma after finding that he entered the Indian Administrative Service through fraudulent means.

Verma, who was serving as the Deputy Secretary in the Agriculture Department, has been removed from his position. Officials stated that the decision was based on violations of service rules, which came to light during a detailed review of his conduct.

This announcement followed a recent controversy in which Verma made comments that upset members of the Brahmin community. The remarks increased public concern and added pressure on the administration to respond firmly. The government issued an official statement on 11th December confirming that Verma’s conduct had breached the standards expected from an officer of his rank.

Inquiry Shows Verma Used Forged Documents to Secure IAS Promotion

The action against Verma stems from a departmental inquiry that discovered serious irregularities in how he rose to the IAS cadre. Investigators found that he received an integrity certificate based on forged and fabricated documents. His records also included evidence from an Indore court showing that he allegedly worked with a judge to create fake judgments in a domestic case. These fabricated documents were reportedly used to strengthen his eligibility for promotion through the Departmental Promotion Committee.

An official familiar with the inquiry explained the government’s decision, stating:

“The MP government has removed MP cadre IAS officer Santosh Verma from the post of Deputy Secretary, Agriculture Department, after it was found that he became an IAS officer through fraudulent means. A departmental inquiry is in its final stages against Santosh Verma for allegedly obtaining an integrity certificate based on forged and fabricated documents,” the official said.

Officials have also noted that Verma’s file includes fake promotion orders, which were allegedly created to show his transition from the State Administrative Service into the IAS. These findings raised serious questions about the integrity of his career progression and prompted the state administration to step in.

Chief Minister Orders Action and Recommends Dismissal

Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav personally intervened after becoming aware of both the fraud allegations and Verma’s controversial public statements. According to officials, he instructed the General Administration Department (GAD) to take strict action. As a result, the department recommended that Verma be dismissed from the IAS and conveyed this recommendation to the central government for final approval.

The Chief Minister’s involvement added weight to the investigation and signaled that the state would not overlook violations involving forged documents or conduct unbecoming of a senior officer. Records reviewed by the administration further supported the finding that Verma’s promotion orders had been falsely created.

Offensive Remarks Add to the Case Against Verma

Alongside the allegations of fraud, Verma faced backlash for a statement he made on 23rd November at a public event in his capacity as the state president of the Anusuchit Jati Evam Janjati Adhikari Evam Karmachari Sangh (AJAKS). During the event, he said:

“Reservation should continue until a Brahmin gives his daughter to my son in marriage or forms a relationship with him.”

The statement was widely regarded as objectionable and inappropriate. Following this, the government issued a show-cause notice for violating the All India Services (Conduct and Services) Rules, 1969. His reply to the notice was assessed as unsatisfactory, and officials reported that he continued to make provocative comments even during the inquiry proceedings.

Due to these actions, a formal charge sheet was issued against him under the 1969 Rules, adding to the seriousness of the case and further justifying the government’s recommendation for his dismissal.