Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi has suspended DIG of Fire Services & Home Guards, Pandit Rajesh Uttamrao, IPS, for allegedly misusing his position.
The suspension follows allegations of grave misconduct involving an incident on July 27 where he allegedly forcibly entered a lady inspector's house and attempted to drag her out. During his suspension, he must remain at the State Police Headquarters.
What are the allegations against Rajesh Uttamrao
As per the allegations, on July 27, Rajesh Pandit forcibly entered the house (under the jurisdiction of Capital Police Station) of a married lady inspector of Odisha Police serving in the Bhubaneswar Economic Offences Wing of the Odisha Crime Branch. The IPS Officer allegedly attempted to drag the lady inspector out of her house and wanted her to marry him. Uttamrao also beat up spouse of the lady Inspector.
Later, officials of the Capital Police Station took the intoxicated IPS Officer into custody.
“A complaint has been received, alleging that Pandit has disgraced the dignity of his position by misusing his power last Saturday (July 27) night,” said the statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).
After returning from his four-day visit to New Delhi on Monday evening, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi took immediate action, it said.
Majhi ordered the department concerned to immediately suspend the “errant senior police officer and take appropriate action against him”.
Ordered not to leave station
Now, therefore, the Government of Odisha, in exercise of powers conferred by sub-rule (1) of Rule 3 of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, hereby places the said Shri Pandit Rajesh Uttamrao, IPS under suspension with immediate effect,” read official notification.
During the period of suspension, Rajesh Uttamrao will be at the State Police Headquarters and ‘shall not leave the said headquarters without obtaining the permission of the DG of Police, Odisha, Cuttack'.
He is allowed to draw subsistence allowance admissible to him from time to time under rules of All India Services (discipline and appeal) during the period of suspension, it concluded.
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