The IPS officer allegedly acted as BJD’s agent to threaten political rivals
Bhubaneswar: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed the Odisha government to take appropriate action against senior India Police Service (IPS) officer Ashish Singh for misrepresentation of facts about his health.
Action against Singh was directed after his health report was submitted by the Special Medical Board of AIIMS, Bhubaneswar after his health check-ups.
As per the report, Singh is “physically and mentally fit” and he has no health issues.
On the eve of the elections, the BJP had brought charges of election manipulation attempt against Singh.
The medical report has been sent to Odisha chief secretary P.K. Jena and necessary action has been directed against Singh as he had taken leave without having any health issues.
“After perusing the report of Special Medical Board, AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, declaring Ashish Kumar Singh, IPS physically and mentally fit, the Commission, prima facie, found it a case of misrepresentation of facts on the part of Ashish Kumar Singh, IPS. It is directed that the report of Special Medical Board, AIIMS, Bhubaneswar be forwarded to Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha for appropriate necessary action against the officer as deemed fit," read the ECI letter addressed to Chief Electoral Officer, Odisha.
The ECI had directed a detailed medical examination of Singh, IG (CM Security), who has been on medical leave since May 4, 2024.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had earlier accused IPS officer Singh of showing favouritism to the Biju Janata Dal (BJD). The party had filed a complaint against the IPS officer with the ECI.
On the other hand, the ECI has revoked the suspension of senior IPS officer DS Kutey.
"The suspension of Shri D S Kutey, IPS be revoked with immediate effect with condition that other directions given vide ECI letter dated 28.05.2024 will continue as per the rules applicable. Departmental proceedings, if instituted, can only be decided with the concurrence of the Commission. Shri D S Kutey, IPS may report to chief secretary Odisha for further posting, as deemed fit," the letter further read.
ECI had earlier ordered the suspension of Special Secretary to Odisha Chief Minister's Office (CMO) DS Kutey in a bid to ‘curb undue influence on the election machinery and maintain the level playing field and fairness in the electoral process.’
