EC Revokes Odisha IPS Officer D S Kutey’s Suspension, Suggests Action Against Ashish Singh

Bhubaneswar: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has revoked the suspension of senior Odisha IPS officer D S Kutey and suggested action against another officer Ashish Kumar Singh for misrepresentation of facts about his health condition.

While Kutey, who was special secretary to Odisha Chief Minister, was suspended by the ECI on May 28 for “unduly interfering in conduct of election,” the Commission had ordered medical examination of Singh by a special medical board of the AIIMS Bhubaneswar. Singh, who was IG (CM Security) was on medical leave since May 4. In a letter to Odisha’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) dated June 6, the ECI said the report of the special medical board of AIIMS, Bhubaneswar has declared Singh physically and mentally fit. Noting that it was a case of misrepresentation of facts on the part of the IPS officer, the Commission directed that the report of the Special Medical Board of AIIMS, Bhubaneswar be forwarded to the Chief Secretary for appropriate necessary action against the officer as deemed fit.

Regarding Kutey, the Commission said his suspension should be revoked with immediate effect with the condition that the other directions given in its letter dated May 28 will continue as per the rules applicable. Departmental proceedings, if instituted, may only be decided with concurrence of the Commission, it said. Kutey may report to the Chief Secretary for further posting, as deemed fit, it added.

While suspending Kutey for unduly interfering in conduct of election, the ECI had stated, “his headquarters is fixed at the office of Resident Commissioner Odisha, New Delhi, where he will report by 3 pm on May 29. Chief Electoral Officer, Odisha, would provide to the Chief Secretary of Odisha draft of the chargesheet to be issued to Kutey and Odisha Chief Secretary would arrange chargesheet under relevant service rules by 5 pm of May 30. ”Similarly, the Commission had ordered Singh, who was on medical leave since May 4, to appear for a detailed medical examination by a special medical board constituted by Director of AIIMS-Bhubaneswar. “The CEO will coordinate to ensure that Director, AllMS-Bhubaneswar, constitutes a special medical board to ascertain illness and treatment being undergone. A report in this regard should reach the Commission by May 31,” it said.