Bagalkot, 16 September

The contract of a Medical Officer called Dr Ankita Yaragal, niece of Bagalkot MLA Umesh Meti and the daughter of Bagalkot District Health Officer Dr Rajkumar Yaragal, was terminated at the Namma Clinic in Vambhe Colony. 

The decision was taken after it was discovered that she had allegedly never attended work, despite receiving a salary of approximately Rs 70,000 every month. 

Furthermore, although she was pursuing a postgraduate degree at a private medical college, she had been simultaneously appointed in the post of a Medical Officer – a violation of the current rules.

Dr Ankita Yaragal had been appointed to the Medical Officer post in September 2025. She allegedly remained absent from the clinic from 3 March until September. She did not appear when Bagalkot Zilla Panchayat CEO Gajanan Bale summoned her for an inquiry, either. 

Consequently, a final notice was issued, directing her to appear for an inquiry at the Zilla Panchayat office at 10 am on 18 September. She has been warned that if she fails to appear again, a decision will be taken ex parte.

Officials have also decided to recover the entire salary amount allegedly received in violation of the rules. 

In addition, the case could be reported to the Karnataka Medical Council (KMC) and the National Medical Commission (NMC) for an alleged violation of professional conduct regulations.