Delhi govt official Premoday Khakha accused of minor’s rape, suspended

Premoday Khakha, a government officer in Delhi, who stands accused of raping a minor girl, has been swiftly suspended following an order issued by Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar.

Earlier in the day, Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had directed the Chief Secretary to promptly suspend Khakha.

The Chief Secretary’s order indicates the initiation of a potential disciplinary action against Khakha, who held the position of assistant director in the Women and Child Development department.

The order stated, “…therefore, in line with the powers granted by sub rule (1) of Rule 10 of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965, Premoday Khakha, Assistant Director, is hereby immediately suspended.”

Khakha, accompanied by his wife, was taken into custody by the Delhi Police on Monday afternoon following a period of questioning.

As per the order, during the suspension period, Khakha is restricted from leaving the Women and Child Development department headquarters without prior permission.

The Chief Minister has additionally requested a detailed report on the matter from the Chief Secretary by 5 pm, as confirmed by officials.

Earlier in the day, while addressing reporters during an event, Kejriwal had also urged the Delhi Police to promptly apprehend the accused officer. He stated, “I have instructed the chief secretary to suspend the officer pending the inquiry. I have also asked for a report from the chief secretary by the evening.”

The officer is facing allegations of repeatedly raping the minor daughter of a friend and impregnating her, as disclosed by the police on Sunday.

The girl had been residing with Khakha and his family at their residence since her father’s passing on October 1, 2020.

(With PTI inputs)