Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Pratik Gawas, the head clerk at the Institute of Psychiatry and Human Behaviour (IPHB), was fired from the government for embezzling around Rs 24 lakh from employee wages.
Following disciplinary actions against Gawas, IPHB Director Dr. S M Bandekar issued the firing order. After an internal investigation revealed the financial crime, Gawas, an Upper Divisional Clerk (UDC), was suspended last year. He was then taken into custody for embezzling money intended for the institute’s third-party employee deductions.
In order to make up for the sum that was stolen, the dismissal decision further stipulates that Gawas’s income from January 1, 2025, until his termination must be forfeited. According to authorities, if necessary, further steps will be made to recoup the money left over from his final settlement.
In the dismissal order, Dr. Bandekar said, “The UDC has violated Rule 3(1) (i), (ii), and (iii) of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 by failing to maintain absolute integrity, devotion to duty, and by acting in a manner unbecoming of a government servant.”
From October 2017 to August 2024, Gawas worked in the Accounts Section. During that time, he unlawfully deposited Rs 23.91 lakh from third-party employee deductions into his own account.
Unambiguously confessing to the financial malfeasance during the investigation, he subsequently made a partial refund of Rs 10 lakh and requested reinstatement. But his request was turned down.
When a staff member discovered irregularities in the deductions made from their salary for insurance and loans, the fraud was exposed. The money that had been taken out was being transferred to Gawas’ personal account, according to an internal probe. After that, IPHB representatives formally complained to the police, which resulted in Gawas’ suspension and eventual legal action.
To recoup the remaining embezzled monies and stop similar occurrences in the future, authorities have promised that strict measures will be implemented.
