The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered the suspension of Special Secretary to Odisha Chief Minister's Office (CMO) DS Kutey in a bid to ‘curb undue influence on the election machinery and maintaining the level playing field and fairness in the electoral process.’
The ECI has also directed a detailed medical examination of Ashish Kumar Singh, IG (CM Security), who has been on medical leave since May 4, 2024.
In a letter issued today, ECI stated that the CEO Odisha has made certain averments indicating undue being exercised by the aforementioned officers directly connected with the conduct of election work. This was further corroborated by various other inputs received from the field from time to time.
"D.S. Kutey, IPS (RR:1997), Special Secretary to CM be placed under suspension under relevant service rules for unduly interfering in conduct of election. His headquarter is fixed at the Office of Resident Commissioner Odisha, New Delhi where he shall report by 3:00 pm on 29th May 2024. Chief Electoral Officer Odisha shall provide to the Chief Secretary of Odisha draft of charge sheet to be issued to Shri D. S. Kutey. Chief Secretary of Odisha shall arrange to issue charge sheet by competent authority under relevant service rules, not later than by 5:00 pm of 30th May 2024," the ECI letter read.
BJP allegation against Kutey
On April 8, (BJP) accused IPS officer DS Kutey of working for the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) by staying at the Chief Minister's Office(CMO). A delegation of the BJP filed a complaint at the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). Even though the Election Commission of India (ECI) had barred the IPS officer from election duty, he has been appointed as the special secretary at the CMO and is getting multiple works of the ruling party done through the SPs and IICs of various police stations, the BJP alleged earlier.
The BJP accused the IPS of working on behalf of the BJD and demanded that his cellphones should be seized immediately and call details record (CDR) be retrieved.
Ashish Singh, IG (CM Security), to undergo health check-up
Regarding Ashish Kumar Singh, the ECI order stated "Shri Ashish Kumar Singh IPS(RR:2010), IG (CM Security), being on medical leave since 4th May 2024, be present himself for detailed medical examination by a special medical board constituted by Director AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, not later than 30th May 2024. Chief Electoral Officer shall coordinate to ensure that Director AIIMS Bhubaneswar constitutes special medical board to ascertain illness and treatment being undergone. Report on this shall reach the Commission latest by 31' May 2024."
Expeditious probe on 'Prashant Jagdev and EVM damage'
The ECI has also mentioned that expeditious investigation under due process of law shall continue unhindered in the case registered against BJP's MLA candidate Prashant Jagdev for damaging an EVM in a polling booth.