Odisha government suspends senior IPS officer for misconduct

On July 30, the Odisha state government suspended a 2007-batch IPS deputy inspector general for “gross misconduct” following an untoward incident in the city last week.

Based on a confidential report by the Director General of Police, Pandit Rajesh Uttamrao, a 2007-born DIG of the Fire and Home Guards, was suspended from the night of July 27.

“Disciplinary proceedings are contemplated against Mr. Pandit for serious misconduct as a member of the Indian Police Service. Accordingly, the Government of the State of Odisha has now suspended Mr. Pandit with immediate effect in exercise of the powers conferred on it under sub-rule (1) of rule 3 of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969,” the Home Ministry order said.

The Home Ministry directed the IPS officer to be posted at the Odisha State Police Headquarters and not to leave the headquarters without the permission of the Director General of Police. The IPS officer will be allowed to receive food allowance.