RIMS Row: Saryu Roy targets Additional Chief Secretary over ex-director’s resignation

Ranchi, June 26: JD (U) MLA Saryu Roy has defended former Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) Director Prof. (Dr.) Rajkumar, alleging that the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Health Department, Ajay Kumar Singh, subjected him to sustained administrative harassment after failing to “make him yield.”

Describing Dr Rajkumar’s resignation as “unfortunate,” Roy alleged that attempts to remove the senior doctor began from the very first meeting of the RIMS Governing Council and continued despite repeated relief granted by the Jharkhand High Court. He further claimed that when these efforts failed, a CID inquiry was initiated, ultimately leading to Dr. Rajkumar’s resignation.

The controversy has intensified following the emergence of a four-page confidential letter dated June 8, addressed to the Health Minister and the Chairman of the RIMS Governing Council. In the letter, Dr. Rajkumar alleges that the Additional Chief Secretary, Health Department, kept him “in the dark” and subjected him to continuous administrative harassment for more than a year while repeatedly attempting to remove him from office.

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Director Details Sequence of Events

According to the letter, Dr. Rajkumar assumed charge as RIMS Director on February 12, 2024, and initiated several reforms, including expanding patient care facilities, renovating dilapidated buildings and introducing new academic courses.

However, he alleged that during the 59th Governing Council meeting on April 15, 2025, he was pressured over certain agenda items and unnecessarily threatened. The next day, while appearing before the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes in New Delhi, the department allegedly initiated proceedings to remove him from office.

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RIMS Letter

High Court Relief Cited

Dr. Rajkumar said he approached the Jharkhand High Court, which stayed the termination proceedings. He further stated that after the government withdrew the termination order in compliance with the court’s directions, it issued a show-cause notice containing 11 allegations on May 9. He claimed to have submitted a detailed reply supported by documentary evidence.

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Key Allegations Made by Dr. Rajkumar

In his June 8 letter, Dr. Rajkumar makes the following allegations against the functioning of the Health Department and the Additional Chief Secretary:

• Continuous administrative harassment by the Additional Chief Secretary after he assumed office as RIMS Director.
• Repeated attempts to remove him from the Director’s post despite obtaining relief from the Jharkhand High Court.
• Undue pressure and intimidation during the 59th Governing Council meeting held on April 15, 2025.
• Removal proceedings were initiated while he was attending proceedings before the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes in New Delhi.
• An 11-point show-cause notice was issued despite the High Court’s intervention, although he submitted a detailed reply with supporting documents.
• His removal was repeatedly placed on the agenda of the 61st, 62nd, 63rd and 64th Governing Council meetings.
• Minutes of Governing Council meetings were allegedly altered after signatures had been obtained and decisions were recorded contrary to the discussions held.
• Media reports based on “half-truths” were allegedly used to target and defame him.
• Pressure was exerted during Standing Finance Committee meetings on various administrative issues.
• Departmental action extended to his son’s appointment process, despite interim relief granted by the Jharkhand High Court.
• He appealed to the government to end the alleged harassment and restore a normal working environment for the smooth functioning and development of RIMS.

Saryu Roy Seeks Government’s Response

Backing the former director, Saryu Roy said the issue was not merely about the removal of an official but about the treatment of a competent officer belonging to the Scheduled caste category.

He questioned why action against Dr. Rajkumar continued despite repeated intervention by the Jharkhand High Court and demanded an explanation from the government.

The Health Department has not issued any official response to the allegations made by Dr. Rajkumar or the claims raised by Saryu Roy.