Senior police officers' transfer sparks political debate in Odisha

The recent transfer of two senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, Ashish Singh and D.S. Kutey, to new roles within the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Border Security Force (BSF) respectively, has ignited a political debate.

Allegations have surfaced accusing the officers of having connections with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), although the party firmly denies any such affiliations. These claims mainly stem from comments made by Pramila Mallik, a member of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Opposition's chief whip, suggesting political influences in their appointments.

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“Is the BJD involved in the Central deputation of these officials? BJP should rather make clear that they had links with the two,” Pramila Mallik said media persons.

In response, the Odisha BJP has categorically dismissed these allegations, describing them as unfounded. Both officers were previously criticised during election periods, with the BJP accusing them of partiality towards the BJD.

“Allegations are entirely absurd and the people of Odisha know it very well that they were associated with the BJD. For which, the two officials (Ashish Singh and D.S. Kutey) have been sent on Central deputation,” BJP MLA Ashok Mohanty stated.

Specific allegations included Ashish Singh purportedly aiding the BJD during elections and D.S. Kutey instructing the arrest of Prashant Jagdev (a BJP candidate during Assembly polls) and the limitation of BJP advertisements.

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Despite these controversies, departmental inquiries into their conduct have made minimal progress, raising questions over the reasons for such delays. The recent deputation orders for D.S. Kutey and Ashish Singh have led to a perception that they might have been cleared of wrongdoing, further fuelling political speculation.

Additionally, another high-ranking officer, Ravi Kant, who serves as the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) within the Home Department, is drawing attention due to ongoing contentious issues, hinting at persistent political manoeuvres surrounding the roles and decisions of these officers.