MLA’s niece accused of drawing Rs75,000 salary while doing MD; father removes her from post
MLA’s niece drew Rs75,000 salary while doing MD
A medical officer at a Namma Clinic in Bagalkot, Karnataka is under investigation for allegedly receiving a salary of Rs75,000 while simultaneously pursuing a postgraduate medical course and missing work. Dr Ankita R Yaragal, the niece of Bagalkot MLA Umesh Meti and daughter of District Health Officer Dr Rajkumar Yaragal, was appointed to the clinic in April 2025.
According to Bagalkot Zilla Panchayat CEO Gajanan Bale, she failed to show up for work starting March 3, leaving the clinic without a medical officer and inconveniencing patients. Bangalore dental student suicide: Six lecturers sacked over harassment complaints. The issue emerged after complaints about her frequent absences. Bagalkot Taluk Health Officer Dr Saraswati Magi confirmed her absence, and patients reported she was not regularly attending her duties.
Nurses had to step in to manage patient care and medication administration. Authorities are probing whether she was enrolled in an MD in Pathology at a private college while still receiving her Namma Clinic salary. Dr Yaragal appeared for a hearing but did not attend, and now faces another hearing on September 18. If found guilty, disciplinary action could be taken, including potential referral to the Karnataka Medical Council and National Medical Commission.
Her father has dismissed her from the post, citing that she joined the postgraduate course without notifying the health authorities and that she had been appointed while his predecessor was still in office. He also instructed the taluk health officer to terminate her duties.
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