An Assistant Director of Directorate of Geology and Mining in Ranipet has been relieved of duties on Thursday over allegations of demanding money from a stone quarry operator to relax mining norms.

As per an official order, a copy of it available with The Hindu, D. Mohan, Director of Geology and Mining, has relieved E. Srinivasarao, Assistant Director (AD), Directorate of Geology and Mining, Ranipet, with immediate effect.

Instead, A. Arumuganainar, Regional Joint Director of Geology and Mining (Villupuram), will hold full additional charge of the post of AD of Geology and Mining for Ranipet district.

The order cited “administrative reasons” for relieving Mr. Srinivasarao of his duties. He has not been allocated any posts. Sources in Geology and Mining department, which is located inside the sprawling Ranipet Collectorate complex, said that the issue related to an incident where the said officer reportedly demanded ₹2 lakh in cash from the stone quarry operator in the district to ease norms.

Unwilling to pay the bribe, the operator reportedly complained to the Ministry of Natural Resources, Minerals and Mines, that also comprises the Department of Geology and Mines, headed by Minister T.K. Prabhu. Following the incident, the officer was relieved of his duties with immediate effect.