The Gujarat cadre of the Indian Administrative Service has seen a significant administrative action, with officers K Rajesh and Gaurav Dahiya ordered to retire prematurely from government service.
The decision took effect from October 1, 2026, following a review of their service records. Reports indicate that the review was conducted under the provisions of the All India Services Pension Rules, with a committee headed by the Gujarat Chief Secretary examining their records before the decision was approved.
The two officers were dealt with separately because their service histories and the proceedings involving them were different.
Why Was K Rajesh Retired Early?
K Rajesh, a 2011-batch Gujarat-cadre IAS officer, had been under suspension since July 2022 following his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation in a case linked to his tenure as Surendranagar Collector.
The allegations related to official decisions involving arms licences, government land and regularisation of encroachments. The Enforcement Directorate subsequently initiated proceedings against him as well. Rajesh was later released on bail.
Before becoming Surendranagar Collector, Rajesh held administrative assignments in Junagadh and Surat. His compulsory retirement now brings his service career to an early end.
What Is the Background of Gaurav Dahiya?
Gaurav Dahiya, a 2010-batch IAS officer, was serving as Additional Development Commissioner in Gandhinagar before the latest action.
His service record had previously been the subject of disciplinary proceedings and inquiries. He was suspended in 2019 following allegations including bigamy and professional misconduct. Dahiya denied the allegations and said at the time that he had been subjected to a conspiracy and blackmail. Delhi Police subsequently cleared him in the complaint filed by the woman, while separate departmental proceedings continued.
The Gujarat government later revoked his suspension in 2023, after which he was posted as Additional Development Commissioner.
What Is 'Operation Gangajal'?
The action has been reported in connection with the Gujarat government's broader review of officials facing disciplinary proceedings and integrity-related concerns, referred to in reports as Operation Gangajal.
However, reports also indicate that the immediate basis for the premature retirement was a formal review of the officers' service records under the applicable All India Services Pension Rules. The review considered their service over an extended period, including issues concerning integrity and conduct.
The Two Cases Were Separate
Although the two officers were retired at around the same time, the circumstances surrounding them were not identical.
Rajesh's case involved criminal investigations by central agencies following allegations connected with his tenure as district collector. Dahiya's case involved separate disciplinary proceedings and controversies during his career.
Their simultaneous premature retirement therefore represents two separate service-record decisions rather than a single case involving both officers.
What Happens After the Retirement Orders?
The decisions have ended the active service of both officers before their normal retirement dates. According to reports, Dahiya had been expected to remain in service for many more years, while Rajesh had already been under suspension for several years.
The development also highlights the role of periodic service-record reviews in the All India Services. Such reviews can examine an officer's continued service under the applicable rules rather than waiting for normal superannuation.
For organisations dealing with regulatory, compliance and financial-risk matters, Due Diligence can be relevant when assessing background and governance-related risks.
A Significant Administrative Development
The premature retirement of K Rajesh and Gaurav Dahiya has drawn attention because both officers were still below their normal retirement age and had experienced separate disciplinary or investigative proceedings.
The latest action demonstrates that long-running service matters can ultimately lead to administrative decisions following formal reviews of an officer's record. Further details of the individual government orders can provide additional clarity on the precise terms and grounds of the retirements.