A controversy has emerged in Karnataka’s Bagalkot district involving Dr Ankita Yaragal, niece of MLA Umesh Meti, over her appointment as a medical officer at a government-run Namma Clinic. Reports say she was drawing around ₹70,000 a month while also pursuing an MD course at a private medical college. Authorities found that she was allegedly not attending the clinic regularly while her attendance records continued to show her as present. The district administration has now relieved her from the post and ordered further action.Why Is Ankita Yaragal Facing Action?Dr Ankita Yaragal was appointed as a medical officer at the Namma Clinic in Wambe Colony, Bagalkot, on a contractual basis in April 2025. According to reports, she joined an MD Pathology course at a private medical college in March 2026 without resigning from the government-linked position. Officials are now examining whether she was allowed to hold both commitments and whether salary was paid for a period when she was not performing her clinic duties.She was posted at a Namma Clinic in Wambe Colony.Reports put her monthly salary at about ₹75,000.She reportedly joined an MD Pathology course in March.Officials raised questions over her attendance at the clinic.The district administration has relieved her from the position.How The Namma Clinic Issue EmergedThe matter came to light after Bagalkot taluk health officer Dr Saraswati Magi reportedly visited the Namma Clinic following complaints about the doctor’s availability. Dr Ankita was not present during the visit, while local residents reportedly said that nurses had been managing patient care and dispensing medicines. Officials then began examining her attendance and employment records.Dr Ankita’s father, District Health Officer Dr Rajkumar Yaragal, said she had been appointed during the tenure of his predecessor, Dr Manjunath Dodderi. He also stated that he had not released her salary after taking charge as DHO and instructed officials to relieve her from duty. Neither Dr Ankita nor MLA Umesh Meti has publicly responded to the allegations reported so far.Also Read: A Raja, Two DMK MLAs Booked Over Remarks Against CM VijayLatest Action In BagalkotThe district administration has taken action while the issue is being examined further. A separate official order reportedly said Dr Ankita had joined postgraduate studies while serving in the health department without informing the relevant authorities. It also alleged that she had remained absent from duty and warned that any financial loss caused to the government could be recovered from her.Reports also indicate that the authorities are examining whether the salary or honorarium paid during the disputed period should be recovered. An official inquiry notice has asked Dr Ankita to appear before the district administration and explain her position. Any final responsibility will depend on the outcome of the official proceedings.Key HighlightsDr Ankita Yaragal is the niece of Bagalkot MLA Umesh Meti.She was appointed as a medical officer at a Namma Clinic in Bagalkot.Reports say she was receiving about ₹75,000 monthly.She was also pursuing an MD Pathology course at a private college.Authorities have relieved her from the medical officer post.Further inquiry may determine whether salary recovery or other action is required.Inquiry Continues Over Namma ClinicThe Karnataka MLA Umesh Meti controversy has raised questions about attendance, public healthcare duties and the rules governing government-linked medical positions. Dr Ankita Yaragal has been removed from her post while authorities examine the allegations. Her father has disputed responsibility for releasing her salary after he became DHO. The final findings of the official inquiry will clarify the facts and determine any further action.Disclaimer: This content is provided only for knowledge purposes and to provide news information.
