In Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, a serious rift has emerged between District Magistrate (DM) Jitendra Pratap Singh and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Haridutt Nemi. The DM had written to the state government earlier this year recommending the transfer of the CMO, citing multiple administrative irregularities and absenteeism. This friction has now reached the public, with audio recordings allegedly involving Dr. Nemi circulating on social media, triggering wider scrutiny and political reactions.
Trigger Points: Raids, Audio Leaks and Allegations
The feud dates back to a surprise inspection conducted by the DM in February 2025 at the CMO’s office. The CMO and several health officials were reportedly found absent without notice. Subsequent inspections of health centers revealed more administrative lapses. Soon after, controversial audio clips surfaced, allegedly featuring Dr. Nemi making offensive remarks against the DM. These were widely circulated online, inflaming tensions.
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The DM’s formal recommendation to the state government to transfer the CMO followed. In a subsequent meeting chaired by the DM, the CMO claimed he was insulted and asked to leave the meeting—another flashpoint that further deepened the divide.
A Procurement Deal Under the Scanner
Fuel was added to the fire when another video began doing rounds. In it, Dr. Nemi accused a firm named JM Pharma of supplying ₹1.30 crore worth of substandard medical equipment under the National Urban Health Mission, despite the order being for ₹1.60 crore. The company was already charge-sheeted by the CBI in a past case. Dr. Nemi alleged that pressure was being exerted for payment despite the faulty supply, and also hinted at attempts to mislead the DM. The CMO accused even his own department’s staff of being complicit in irregularities.
Political Backing and Contradictory Letters
The controversy took a political turn when several public representatives, including Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana, MLAs Surendra Maithani, and Aruna Pathak, wrote to Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak in support of Dr. Nemi. They argued that his work and conduct were appreciated by the public and officials, requesting that he be retained in Kanpur.
However, a new letter from Bithoor MLA Abhijeet Singh Sanga surfaced, accusing Dr. Nemi of corruption and illegal practices involving private hospitals. This fresh claim has further complicated the matter. What began as an administrative conflict has now snowballed into a high-stakes political and legal affair. With both sides doubling down and evidence mounting on public platforms, the state government now faces pressure to investigate the matter transparently while balancing political sensitivities and bureaucratic accountability.