Etah, March 10: In a significant action against alleged corruption, the Chief Development Officer (CDO) of Etah district in Uttar Pradesh has been suspended following a viral video that surfaced on social media. The video reportedly shows CDO Nagendra Narayan Mishra demanding ₹10,000 from each Anganwadi worker.
In the footage, Mishra is seen conversing with District Coordinator Sanjeev Pachauri, stating, “I need ₹10,000 from every Anganwadi. You are my man, Pachauri; ensure the money is arranged.” Pachauri allegedly refused to comply with this request and distanced himself from any financial transactions.
The matter escalated to the government after the video gained traction online. Acting on the directives of Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, Mishra has been suspended with immediate effect and reassigned to the headquarters. He was promoted to CDO from the position of Block Development Officer (BDO).
This incident is part of a broader crackdown on corruption in 2026, where numerous officials and employees have faced suspension, dismissal, or arrest. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Lokayukta, Vigilance, and Anti-Corruption units have been actively pursuing cases. Several executive engineers, tehsildars, accountants, and officials at the level of Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) have been suspended across various departments including Public Works, Revenue, Education, and Health.
In related developments, Joint Director Sheshnath Pandey was dismissed from service due to proven administrative and financial irregularities. Additionally, ten officials from the Fisheries Department (Kanpur Division), including Deputy Director Sunita Verma, have been reassigned amid allegations of corruption and negligence. Following the circulation of bribery videos, eleven police personnel have also been suspended.