Ganderbal, May 11 -- Suhail Rather

In a major administrative action, the Directorate of Geology & Mining, Jammu & Kashmir, has attached District Mineral Officer (DMO) Ganderbal, Sh. Murtaza Bashir Bhat, pending an inquiry into alleged non-performance and administrative lapses.

As per an official order issued by Director Geology & Mining J&K, Pawan Kumar Sharma, the officer reportedly remained absent from several locations during the May 10 visit of the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and other senior dignitaries to Ganderbal district for inspection of developmental works.

The order states that despite prior directions and repeated telephonic communication, the officer allegedly failed to accompany the visiting dignitaries during...