Bhubaneswar: The Union Government has appointed Dhirendra Sambhaji Kutey, a 1997-batch Odisha-cadre IPS officer, as Inspector General (IG) of the Border Security Force (BSF). The appointment, effective immediately, will extend up to his superannuation on February 29, 2028, or until further orders.
The announcement was communicated through an official letter from the Under Secretary to the Government of India to Odisha’s Chief Secretary. The letter stated:
“I am directed to convey the approval of the competent authority for the appointment of Shri Dhirendra Sambhaji Kutey, IPS (OD:1997), as Inspector General (Level-14 in the Pay Matrix) in the Border Security Force (BSF) from the date of assumption of charge of the post, for a tenure up to the date of his superannuation on 29.02.2028 or until further orders, whichever is earlier.”
It further requested the Odisha government to relieve Kutey from his current responsibilities immediately to enable him to assume his new role.
Kutey’s appointment follows the recent selection of another Odisha-cadre IPS officer, Ashish Kumar Singh, as Inspector General (IG) of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). According to a letter from the Union Home Ministry, Singh’s tenure is set for five years from the date he assumes charge or until further orders.
Both Kutey and Singh were reportedly removed from their positions in the Odisha Police ahead of the 2024 general elections. The BJP had lodged complaints with the Election Commission of India, alleging that the officers were favoring the Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD) during the elections.
Following the BJP’s victory and the formation of a new government, Kutey was reassigned as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Home Department. The OSD role is often viewed as a demotion or a punishment posting within bureaucratic circles.
Despite the controversies, Kutey’s appointment to the BSF signals a return to a prominent leadership role in the national security apparatus. His tenure, along with Singh’s in the ITBP, will be closely monitored as both officers take on these critical assignments.
