India, March 1 -- A 14-year deputation at the Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden is under intense scrutiny, with serious allegations of rule violations, questionable eligibility and administrative patronage keeping a Veterinary Pathologist in position far beyond the legally permitted tenure.

Panchami Sharma, an officer of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, has been serving at the state zoo in Guwahati as a Veterinary Pathologist on deputation since September 19, 2011. Her tenure has now crossed 14 years and five months - far exceeding the maximum deputation period prescribed under government norms.

The post of Veterinary Pathologist requires specialised expertise in wildlife disease diagnosis, post-mortem examination, lab...