In a decisive move signaling zero tolerance for inappropriate conduct within its ranks, the Odisha government took stern action against one of its high-ranking police officers. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi took the decisive step on Tuesday (30th July), issuing the suspension of an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, identified as Pandit Rajesh Uttamrao. This decision came in response to charges of 'grave misconduct.'

This misconduct reportedly occurred on the night of July 27 in Bhubaneswar, where serious allegations surfaced against Shri Pandit. The incident has raised considerable concern and prompted immediate action from the state's highest levels of governance. As the head of the Home Department, Shri Majhi took prompt action upon his return from New Delhi last evening, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the government's commitment to maintaining strict discipline and ethical conduct within its services.

Pandit Rajesh Uttamrao, who joined the service in the 2007 batch, has been serving as the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in the Department of Fire Services & Home Guards. The allegations against him involve an attempted forcible marriage to a woman inspector and an assault on her husband, marking a significant breach of conduct expected from an officer of his stature.

The Chief Minister's action underscores a clear message that such behaviors will not be tolerated, ensuring that integrity and professionalism remain paramount in the service. The swift suspension of Shri Pandit not only addresses the immediate issue but also serves as a deterrent to any such future misconduct within the ranks of Odisha's police force.

The Odisha government's decision to suspend IPS officer Shri Pandit Rajesh Uttamrao followed a disturbing series of events, culminating in a comprehensive report submitted by the Director General of Police, Odisha. This confidential report detailed the occurrences of the night of 27th July 2024, which took place within the jurisdiction of the Capital Police Station. According to the Home Department's suspension order, this report was critical in leading to the swift disciplinary action against Shri Pandit.

This decisive action was taken just three days after a particularly egregious incident involving Shri Pandit, who is alleged to have assaulted the husband of a woman inspector. This confrontation is reported to have occurred after Shri Pandit, in an apparent state of inebriation, forcibly entered the woman's residence. Once inside, he not only vandalized the furniture but also attempted to physically remove the woman from the premises with the intent to marry her against her will.

“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,” the official suspension order declared.

The situation is further complicated by the nature of the relationship between the officer and the woman involved. The woman, a police inspector in the Bhubaneswar Economic Offences Wing, reportedly had an ongoing extra-marital affair with Shri Pandit for approximately five years. This connection has brought additional scrutiny to the case, highlighting serious concerns about the ethical behavior and professional conduct expected of public servants.

The actions of Shri Pandit have not only breached professional conduct but also posed severe personal violations, leading to his immediate suspension. 

The recent suspension of IPS officer Shri Pandit Rajesh Uttamrao involves not only professional repercussions but also personal complications, as he is married with two children. His immediate custody followed the notification to the police about his alleged misconduct, underscoring the serious nature of the allegations against him.

In line with procedural requirements, it has been mandated that during his suspension period, Shri Pandit must remain at the State Police Headquarters in Cuttack, Odisha. The terms of the suspension specify that he is not permitted to leave this designated headquarters without explicit permission from the Director General of Police, Odisha, Cuttack. This measure ensures that Shri Pandit remains accessible and accountable while the investigation into his actions proceeds.

The government order elaborates on the financial aspects of Shri Pandit's suspension. Specifically, "Shri Pandit is allowed to draw subsistence allowance as admissible to him from time to time under rule 4(1)(a) of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969 during the period of suspension." 

However, the release of these funds comes with a stipulation aimed at ensuring that Shri Pandit does not engage in any additional paid activities while suspended. The order clarifies that the subsistence allowance "shall not be paid to him unless he furnishes a certificate that he is not engaged in any other employment, business, profession or vocation as required under rule 4(2) of the said rules." This condition is critical for maintaining the integrity of the suspension and ensuring that the officer does not circumvent the restrictions placed on his professional activities during this period.

Action against Pandit Rajesh Uttamrao: A Precedent in Disciplinary Measures

Following the troubling incident involving IPS officer Pandit Rajesh Uttamrao, the Odisha government took immediate and stringent action. The initial step was a directive to the Director General of Police (DGP) to compile and submit a confidential report detailing the events and conduct in question. This report was crucial for assessing the severity of the allegations and determining the appropriate course of action.

Subsequent to the report, the government executed a decisive measure by suspending Pandit Rajesh Uttamrao with immediate effect, citing 'grave misconduct' as the reason for this suspension. This term, grave misconduct, underscores the severity of the allegations against him, reflecting actions that significantly deviate from the expected standards of behavior for someone in his position.

As part of the suspension conditions, Pandit Rajesh Uttamrao has been explicitly instructed not to leave Cuttack without prior permission from the DGP. This restriction is put in place to ensure that he remains within the jurisdiction and accessible for any further investigations or proceedings that might be required as part of the ongoing evaluation of his actions.

This incident marks a significant precedent in the discipline of high-ranking officials under the current BJP government. It is the first instance where such severe action has been taken against an all-India rank officer by this administration, signaling a firm stance on maintaining strict disciplinary standards within the Indian Police Service.