Dr Ankita R Yaragal, the niece of Bagalkot MLA Umesh Meti, is facing an inquiry in Karnataka over allegations that she received a monthly salary of about ₹75,000 while pursuing an MD course and was absent from her duties at a Namma Clinic. The case came to light in September 2026 after complaints about her absence from the clinic.Key HighlightsDr Ankita Yaragal was appointed as a medical officer in April 2025.She was posted at the Namma Clinic in Wambe Colony, Bagalkot.She allegedly joined an MD course in Pathology in March 2026 while holding the clinic post.Authorities have scheduled another inquiry hearing for September 18, 2026.Who Is Dr Ankita Yaragal?Dr Ankita R Yaragal is a doctor and the niece of Bagalkot MLA Umesh Meti. She is also the daughter of Dr Rajkumar Yaragal, who is the District Health Officer of Bagalkot.Dr Ankita was appointed as a medical officer at the Namma Clinic in Wambe Colony, Bagalkot, on a contract basis in April 2025.The Karnataka MLA niece salary controversy started after complaints that she was not regularly attending the clinic.Allegations Over Salary Without WorkAccording to the inquiry notice, Dr Ankita allegedly remained absent from the clinic from March 3, 2026, for several months. Reports said patients complained that a doctor was not regularly available and nurses were handling patient care and medicines.At the same time, reports said she had joined an MD Pathology course at a private medical college in March 2026.This has raised questions about the alleged ₹70,000 salary without work and whether she was allowed to hold both engagements.What Did the Authorities Say?Bagalkot Zilla Panchayat CEO Gajanan Bale issued a notice asking Dr Ankita to appear before the inquiry. She did not attend the first hearing.She has now been asked to appear on September 18 at 10 AM at Room No. 11 of the Zilla Panchayat office. Authorities have warned that the case could be decided without her if she does not appear.“I have sought a report from the DHO, and action will be initiated,” CEO Gajanan Bale said.Salary Recovery May FollowOfficials are checking whether Dr Ankita broke rules by studying for an MD while working as a medical officer.If the allegations are proved, disciplinary action may follow. Authorities have also said that salary or honorarium paid during any unauthorised period may be recovered. The matter could also be sent to the Karnataka Medical Council and National Medical Commission.Meanwhile, her father, DHO Dr Rajkumar Yaragal, said he had not released her salary after taking charge. He said her appointment was made during the tenure of his predecessor, Dr Manjunath Dodderi, and that he had instructed officials to relieve her from duty.The inquiry is still underway, so the allegations against Dr Ankita have not been finally established. Neither Dr Ankita nor MLA Umesh Meti had publicly commented in the reports cited.Also Read : Special Court Convicts Congress MLA Vinay Kulkarni in 2016 Yogesh Gowda Murder Case
