- By Raju Kumar
- Wed, 16 Sep 2026 06:08 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- Dr Ankita Yaragal was removed from the Namma Clinic officer post.
- Accused of absence from duty, pursuing postgraduate studies.
- Received Rs 70,000 salary despite not attending work.
Dr Ankita Yaragal, a Karnataka Congress MLA Umesh Meti's niece, was removed from a state-run Namma Clinic officer post after a political row over her absence from duty and the continuation of her postgraduate studies. India Today reported that despite being posted as a medical officer at a Namma Clinic in Bagalkot, Dr Ankita was found pursuing her full-time postgraduate studies at a private medical college simultaneously, prompting the authorities to take action against her.
According to the media reports, the government terminated the contract of Dr Ankita on the charge of working as an outsource health officer while being a full-time post-graduate student.
Soon after the matter came to light, Bagalkot Zilla Panchayat CEO Gajanan Bale launched an enquiry against her over alleged dereliction of duty and dual engagement without permission. Bale also issued a notice to Dr Ankita.
Dr Ankita War Earning Rs 70,000 Despite Being Absent
Dr Ankita was exposed after she remained absent for a long time. Officials noticed that the Namma Clinic in Bagalkot was running without a medical officer. Shockingly, Dr Ankita was getting a salary of over Rs 70,000. Dr Ankita was paid for the days she remained absent since March this year.
Legal Action Against Dr Ankita
As the matter came to light, the Bagalkot Zilla Panchayat CEO sent a notice to Dr Ankita, seeking clarification on the allegations against her. The official asked how she could continue to receive her salary or honorarium during her postgraduate studies period at a private medical college. Dr Ankita ignored the notice and did not appear before the probe committee on Wednesday.
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Earlier, the principal of S Nijalingappa Medical College permitted her to attend the investigation proceedings, but she chose to skip the probe. Now, she has been given a new date - September 18- to appear with a written explanation.