Lucknow, India — An Indian Revenue Services officer has been suspended following allegations of an assault on a junior colleague during an official meeting in Uttar Pradesh’s capital. Yogendra Kumar Mishra, who joined the IRS in 2014 and is currently serving as the Joint Commissioner of Income Tax in Kashipur, Uttarakhand, faces serious accusations that have prompted an internal inquiry.
The suspension was enacted on June 4, just days after a reported altercation with Gaurav Garg, a Deputy Commissioner and fellow IRS officer, took place on May 29. Garg claims Mishra attacked him during a closed meeting attended by senior officials, with the confrontation arising from a dispute over the leadership of the departmental cricket team.
In response to the incident, Garg filed a First Information Report at the Hazratganj police station, where he detailed a violent encounter that allegedly included physical assault and threats to his life. Authorities recorded charges against Mishra, citing multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including attempted murder and intimidation, as well as provisions from the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
Pending the outcome of the investigation, Mishra has been reassigned to a Kolkata office, under the oversight of the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax for the West Bengal and Sikkim region. He is also required to seek permission before leaving his headquarters, which adds further constraints to his current situation.
On social media, Mishra has defended himself, claiming that recent events are a personal attack related to his work uncovering alleged irregularities in tax investigations from his predecessor’s time in Kanpur. He expressed frustration over the situation, stating he is facing harassment and character defamation due to his disclosures.
This incident has not only raised concerns within the IRS but has also drawn public attention to the internal dynamics of government agencies in India, where disputes and conflicts are often kept behind closed doors. The case highlights the tense environment among officers navigating both administrative duties and personal rivalries.
As the investigation unfolds, many in the IRS community are closely monitoring the situation, eager to see how the outcome will impact professional relationships and departmental culture. Further developments are anticipated as the police and internal inquiry continue to gather evidence and testimonies.