Odisha Police IIC Rajesh Baliarsingh suspended for ‘shielding ganja mafia’

Odisha DGP suspended Inspector Rajesh Baliarsingh over alleged misconduct and dereliction of duty. The police officer, who was posted in Astarang, faced serious accusations of protecting ganja mafias during his previous stint as a Sub-Inspector in Koraput district’s Jeypore Town Police Station.

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According to sources, the Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) of Astarang Police Station in Puri district has been suspended following a directive from the Director General of Police (DGP). The action was taken after charges of negligence and serious misconduct surfaced against him during his time as Sub-Inspector at Jeypore Town PS, Koraput.

Baliarsingh was accused of showing undue leniency to ganja mafias, raising concerns about his integrity and professional conduct. For the past two days, a Koraput police team had been camping in Bhubaneswar to question him regarding these allegations.

The cop was interrogated at the Capital Police Station yesterday, but later he reportedly went absconding, evading further questioning. It is said that his government residence in Unit 2 locality—linked to his wife, who also serves in the police—was raided during the probe.

After the case file against him was formally escalated, the DGP issued suspension orders, citing his conduct as unbecoming of a police officer. Further departmental proceedings are expected in the coming days.

“A disciplinary proceeding is contemplated against Rajesh Baliarsingh, former Sub-Inspector (SI) of Police, Jeypore Town Police Station in Koraput and now the IIC, Astarang PS, Puri, for his gross misconduct and dereliction of duty,” a suspension order stated.

The Astarang Police Station IIC was placed under suspension with immediate effect. During the period of suspension (when the order is in force), he will remain under the disciplinary control of the I.G. of Police, CR, Cuttack, the official communiqué mentioned.