Ashok Khemka Objects to Being Labelled as 'Whistleblower'

Senior IAS officer Ashok Khemka yesterday objected to being called "whistleblower", saying he did what was expected of him as public servant.

Days after he was handed down another transfer, 49-year-old Mr Khemka in his latest tweet said, "Hurt when labelled whistle-blower officer."

Known for being upright, he further mentioned in the tweet that he was only performing his duties.

"I do what is expected of public servants. Not doing so would be misconduct," he further mentioned.

However, Mr Khemka, was not contactable when reached for his comments on his latest tweet.

Mr Khemka, who has been transferred to Archaeology and Museums Department, in his two-day old tweet had said that it was his constant endeavour to perform his duty with honesty and without fear.

"Neither pro nor anti. Constantly endeavour to perform my duty with effective honesty and without fear or favour or too much red-tape," he had said in his tweet on April 6.

Notably, on Friday, Ashok Khemka had met Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki in Chandigarh, a day after the IAS officer described his transfer as "painful".

Away from the media glare, Mr Khemka had met the Governor at his residence and spent some time with him, though no detail was available about what had transpired at the meeting.

Mr Khemka, who shot into limelight after he questioned Robert Vadra's land deals in Haryana, also had said he "tried hard to address corruption and bring reforms in Transport department despite severe limitations and entrenched interests."

The IAS officer was moved to Archaeology and Museums Department from the post of Commissioner-Secretary Haryana Transport department by the BJP Government in the state on April 1.