A DETAILED inquiry into the conduct of Korba Collector Ajit Vasant has been completed and submitted to the Chhattisgarh Government, marking a pivotal moment in a controversy that has dominated administrative and political discussion for more than two months. The probe, conducted by the Bilaspur Divisional Commissioner, examined fourteen separate allegations and was finalised after fifty-four days of investigation. The inquiry stems from a complaint lodged on September 22 by former Home Minister and senior BJP leader Nankiram Kanwar, who had written to Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai demanding the Collector’s removal. In his letter, Kanwar alleged that Vasant functioned like a “Hitler administrator,” misused constitutional authority, faced “hundreds of corruption complaints” and acted in ways that he said damaged the government’s credibility.

 

He further accused the Collector of discriminatory behaviour, targeting political supporters, and committing irregularities in the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) Copies of the complaint were additionally sent to the Chief Secretary, DGP, BJP state president Kiran Dev and organisation general secretary Pawan Sai. At the time, Chief Minister Sai told the media that the complaint was being taken seriously and that any decision regarding administrative action would be made only after a rigorous inquiry. He emphasised that Kanwar, as a senior political figure, had raised substantial concerns which required formal scrutiny.

 

Over the following weeks, the Commissioner’s office reviewed files, examined administrative decisions, analysed DMF-related processes and evaluated claims of alleged procedural violations. Officials associated with the probe said the report compiles factual findings on each allegation, including whether the Collector exceeded legal limits in specific matters related to land administration, enforcement decisions and district-level fund utilisation. Though the Commissioner has not disclosed the contents, sources confirmed that the report has now reached the government, which will undertake departmental scrutiny before arriving at a conclusion.

 

Kanwar, who has not yet received a copy of the probe findings, has indicated that he will file an RTI application to obtain the full report. He said the inquiry must be transparent and that the public has a right to know whether the allegations have been substantiated or dismissed. Within the administration, the report has triggered intense discussion, particularly given the political sensitivity and the implications for governance at the district level. Senior officials note that the Commissioner’s findings are advisory in nature and the final decision rests with the state government, which will weigh legal, procedural and administrative considerations before taking any step.

 

According to sources in State administration privy to proceedings, the government will review the report in detail over the coming days and determine whether the evidence warrants action, exoneration or further investigation. They cautioned that no premature conclusion should be drawn until materials are examined and the process is completed.