Govt suspends ONGC technical director Shashi Shankar over allegations of irregularities

The Oil Ministry has suspended ONGC Director (Technical) Shashi Shankar over allegations of irregularities.

The ministry on Monday wrote to Oil and Natural Gas (ONGC) that a disciplinary proceeding against Shankar is being contemplated.

"The competent authority in exercise of the powers conferred under ONGC Conduct, Discipline and Appeal Rules, 1994, has placed Shashi Shankar, Director (T&FS) ONGC, under suspension with immediate effect", the company said in a regulatory filing.

Shankar, who turns 54 on Monday, is the youngest director on the board of the nation's most profitable oil company.

He was appointed Director (Technical and Field Services) on February 1 last year.

While the exact reason for the move is not yet clear, sources said there were allegations of tender irregularities, which the vigilance department is now probing.