Who is 'controversial' Odisha-cadre IPS Ashish Singh recently appointed IG of ITBP?

Odisha-cadre IPS officer Ashish Kumar Singh has been transferred and appointed as the Inspector General (IG) of Indo-Tibetan Border Police.

According to a letter issued by the Union Home Ministry to Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Ahuja, the senior IPS officer will remain in the post for a period of five years from the date of assumption of the charge or until further orders.

“It is, therefore, requested that Ashish Kumar Singh, IPS (OD:2004) may be relieved immediately to enable him to take up his new assignment at the Centre,” the letter read.

Also Read: Trouble mounts for IPS officers Ashish Singh and DS Kutey as Home Department initiates action 

Controversies Surrounding Ashish Singh

The 2004-batch IPS officer was surrounded by controversies for allegedly acting as BJD campaigner during the general elections 2024. He was accused of unduly interfering in the general election process in the State.

After BJP approached the Election Commission of India (ECI) accusing Singh of unduly interfering in the general election process, he was removed from IG (central range) position and appointed as IG (CM Security) which was a non-election-related post.

The ECI, in June, also directed the Odisha government to take appropriate action against the IPS officer for misrepresentation of facts about his health.

Read More: BJP, BJD in war of words over action against IPS officers Ashish Singh, DS Kutey 

The directive from the ECI came after his health report was submitted by the Special Medical Board of AIIMS, Bhubaneswar following his health check-ups. 

Later, IPS Singh joined duty on July 3. However, he was removed from IG (Chief Minister Security) position and posted as OSD, Home Department.