DARBHANGA, June 15 -- The Bihar government has suspended Alok Kumar, the district welfare officer (DWO) of Darbhanga, for administrative negligence and violation of departmental guidelines by permitting a political event inside a government-run SC/ST welfare hostel campus. It was reported that a large tent was erected on the premises of Ambedkar Welfare Hostel in Darbhanga for an interactive session with hostel inmates by Rahul Gandhi on May 15. However, just 24 hours before the event, the administration denied the permission and shifted the venue to the Town Hall. Despite this, Rahul Gandhi marched on foot to the hostel and addressed the gathering there, disrupting the administrative arrangements. According to official letter, Kumar had forwarded a request from the national secretary of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) to the department of SC/ST welfare, Patna, for organising a "Constitution and Social Justice Leadership Programme" at the Rajkiya Ambedkar Kalyan Chhatravas, Mogalpura, Darbhanga. The request, dated May 13, 2025, was supported by Kumar without adhering to the departmental guideline (Letter No. 1393 dated April 7, 2022) that strictly prohibits any kind of political discussions or meetings within hostels run by the department. Despite the clear restrictions, a tent was also erected in the hostel premises to facilitate the event. The department found that Kumar not only failed to reject the request outright but also did not prevent the tent setup on the night of May 14-15, 2025. His subsequent inaction to remove the structure further indicated administrative indifference. In response to a departmental show-cause notice issued on May 16, 2025 (Letter No. 2247), Kumar submitted his defense via Letter No. 1205 dated May 17, 2025. However, the disciplinary authority found his explanation unsatisfactory. The defense stated that the request was forwarded to headquarters upon continuous insistence by the organizers, but officials pointed out that as DWO, he was expected to reject such proposals immediately in view of the standing guidelines. Photographic evidence revealed that the scale of preparations, including tent erection, could not have been completed within a short span and must have begun well in advance - further establishing Kumar's failure in discharging his duties. District magistrate of Darbhanga also took cognizance of the violation and, via Letter No. 321 dated May 15, 2025, recommended disciplinary action against Kumar. When contacted, the district magistrate (DM) of Darbhanga, Kaushal Kumar confirmed the suspension of DWO and stated that the charge has been officially handed over to another officer on Saturday itself to ensure continuity in administrative functioning. After thorough review, the department of SC/ST welfare has decided to initiate proceedings against Kumar under Rule 17 of the Bihar Government Servants (classification, control and appeal) rules, 2005. Additionally, he has been placed under immediate suspension as per Rule 9(1)(K) of the same rules. During the suspension period, Kumar will be headquartered at district welfare office, Kaimur. When contacted on phone, Kumar didn't receive calls....