The Haryana State Agriculture Marketing Board (HSAMB) on Sunday suspended Krishan Kumar Kundu, Secretary-cum-Estate Officer of the Market Committee, Madlauda, for alleged negligence in duty and violation of Cabinet Minister protocol.

The action was taken on the directions of Panchayat and Development Minister Krishan Lal Panwar, following complaints that Kundu failed to make arrangements for the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected chairman and vice-chairman of the Market Committee.

According to the suspension order, Kundu’s headquarters has been fixed at the office of the Chief Marketing Enforcement Officer (CMEO), HSAMB, Panchkula, and he has been barred from leaving headquarters without prior permission.

The oath-taking ceremony of chairman Ramesh Panwar and vice-chairman Ashwani Garg was held on Sunday, with Minister Panwar as the chief guest.

Sources said BJP workers found preparations inadequate during a visit on Saturday and alleged that the secretary refused to complete pending arrangements. They later informed the minister of the lapses.

Despite being present in his office within the same premises on Sunday, Kundu allegedly failed to receive the minister at the venue, violating protocol.

“It is not about me alone. Every Cabinet Minister’s protocol must be followed. Officials are bound by it,” Panwar told ‘The Tribune’. He said he had directed the Deputy Commissioner, Panipat, and the HSAMB Chief Administrator to suspend the officer for negligence.