Muzaffarnagar (UP), February 10 Bareilly magistrate Alankar Agnihotri, who was suspended, received a chargesheet related to his criticism of the UGC guidelines aimed at addressing caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions, sources said on Tuesday.
Agnihotri reportedly visited the collectorate office in Shamli on Monday and received the chargesheet from District Magistrate Arvind Kumar Chauhan, according to sources.
Later, Agnihotri stated that he would need one month to respond to the allegations against him.
A chargesheet was reportedly issued against Agnihotri and forwarded to the Shamli DM on Friday.
Agnihotri had announced his resignation, stating that he was upset by the new University Grants Commission (UGC) rules.
Bhupendra S Chaudhary, the Divisional Commissioner of Bareilly, who is the investigating officer in the case, said that the chargesheet was received from the state government's appointment section on February 4 and was sent to the Shamli district magistrate the following day to be served on Agnihotri.
According to officials, the document serves as an administrative chargesheet rather than a criminal one filed in court.
Agnihotri was suspended by the Uttar Pradesh government on January 26, the day he tendered his resignation, on charges of indiscipline. He was subsequently attached to the office of the Shamli district magistrate.
The Divisional Commissioner has given Agnihotri 15 days to submit his reply.
Agnihotri resigned from the Provincial Civil Service (PCS) due to objections to the UGC rules, which have now been stayed by the Supreme Court, and allegedly insulted Swami Avimukteshwaranand, calling the government "anti-Brahmin."
He also accused Bareilly District Magistrate Avinash Singh of confining him for 45 minutes.
He was suspended following a recommendation by the district magistrate for disciplinary action and was subjected to a departmental inquiry.
According to officials, the chargesheet carries three main allegations: making objectionable statements against the Central and state governments, issuing caste-based remarks despite being a government servant, and participating in a protest and slogan-shouting in violation of service conduct rules.