IAS officer issued notice for chewing gum during Karnataka state song

The Deputy Commissioner of Tumakuru has written to the officer in question and sought her explanation of the incident.

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A probationary IAS has been issued a notice for allegedly chewing gum at a public event while the Naada Geethe, the Karnataka state song, was playing.

The incident took place on Thursday at Sira where the Sadhana Samavesha programme was being held. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was also one of the dignitaries present at the event.

The officer in question, Preeti Gehlot, was issued a notice by Deputy Commissioner of Tumakuru district KP Mohan Raj on Friday where the latter sought an explanation from her about the incident.

"The Chief Secretary has ordered me to take the officer's explanation and submit a report on the incident within seven days," Mohan Raj told The Hindu.

Visuals of the officer chewing gum while the state song was being played was telecast across several news channels.

According to reports, many are of the opinion that she had been disrespectful to the state song and that as an IAS officer she should be more disciplined and careful of her actions. Those offended have also said that Preeti should have more respect for their land.

The video since has gone viral.

While several organisations tried to get her response, Preeti has declined to comment.