Mumbai, Jan. 2 -- A junior auditor of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) was suspended on Thursday for alleged serious misconduct and obstruction of processes for the BMC polls scheduled on January 15. The suspended official, identified as Deepak Johare from the civic body's Finance Department, was deployed as part of the Returning Officer's staff at the Central Election Office. Civic officials said a complaint, backed by substantial evidence, was received against Johare for irregularities while performing election-related duties. A preliminary inquiry found the allegations to be prima facie true, following which additional municipal commissioner (city), Dr Ashwini Joshi, ordered his immediate suspension. Officials said Johare was allegedly bypassing established procedures and undertaking tasks beyond his responsibilities. The civic body has reiterated that the polls are being conducted in a transparent and impartial manner in accordance with State Election Commission guidelines. Joshi has issued strict instructions that any civic employee found obstructing the election process will face stringent disciplinary action....