The Assam government has suspended Dibrugarh joint director of health services Udayan Kumar Baruah for dereliction of duty.

The decision to suspend him was taken after it came to the notice of the district administration that Baruah had been on leave since Sunday without permission. He was also absent during the review meeting chaired by chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal here on Monday.

In view of the gross misconduct, Baruah was placed under suspension under Section 6 (1) of the Assam Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1964 with immediate effect, vide a order issued by the commissioner and secretary, health and family welfare department. It said the responsibility of managing all Covid-19-care related arrangements lies on him and his absence had put the entire health system at risk and innocent lives in danger. Subdivisional medical officer Nabajyoti Gogoi has been asked to take charge until further orders.