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Karnataka authorities relieved Dr Ankita R Yaragal, niece of Bagalkot Congress MLA Umesh Meti, from her post as a medical officer at a Namma Clinic, on Thursday, September 17, after allegations that she was drawing a monthly salary of Rs 75,000 while pursuing an MD course at a private medical college.
Dr Ankita was appointed as a contractual medical officer at the Namma Clinic in Wambe Colony in Bagalkot town in April 2025. She is the daughter of Bagalkot District Health Officer (DHO) Dr Rajkumar Yaragal.
The matter came to light after Bagalkot Taluk Health Officer (THO) Dr Saraswati Magi visited the clinic a few days ago and found Dr Ankita absent. When contacted over the phone, she reportedly said that she was out of station. Patients allegedly told the THO that the doctor had not been attending the clinic for around three months, although her attendance was intact.
Residents had reportedly complained that doctors were not regularly attending the Namma Clinic and that nurses were managing patients and dispensing medicines.
Dr Ankita had joined an MD programme in Pathology at a private medical college in March 2026 while continuing to serve as a medical officer at the Namma Clinic. Reports said she was drawing a monthly salary of Rs 75,000. Bagalkot Zilla Panchayat CEO Gajanan Bale directed that Dr Ankita be relieved from service after the allegations came to light. Bale said, “I have sought a report from the DHO, and action will be initiated.”
Dr Ankita was also summoned for an inquiry by Bale but did not appear. She has been directed to attend another hearing on September 18 at 10 am at the Zilla Panchayat office.
The inquiry is examining allegations that she was simultaneously pursuing the postgraduate course and working as a medical officer, as well as allegations regarding her absence from the clinic.
The notice issued by the Bagalkot Zilla Panchayat CEO states that the principal of SN Medical College had granted Dr Ankita permission to pursue the course. However, it alleges that she continued to remain absent from her duties at the Namma Clinic.
The notice also stated that disciplinary action could be initiated if the allegations are established. The matter could also be referred to the Karnataka Medical Council and the National Medical Commission.
Meanwhile, Dr Rajkumar Yaragal said he had not released his daughter’s salary after assuming charge as DHO. “She was appointed during the tenure of the previous DHO, Dr Manjunath Dodderi. We have instructed the THO to relieve Dr Ankita from her post,” he said.
Dr Rajkumar’s order said his daughter had joined the postgraduate course without informing the relevant health authorities and that any financial loss caused to the government could be recovered from her.
Neither Dr Ankita nor MLA Umesh Meti has commented on the allegations.
