Suspended Gajbhiye withdraws case from CAT

Bhubaneswar: Controversy-ridden IPS officer Satish Gajbhiye has withdrawn his plea from the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) challenging his suspension over police brutality. The withdrawal comes after the CAT rejected three petitions filed by the former Kendrapara Superintendent Police (SP) challenging his suspension order last December.

After rejecting his petition, the CAD had asked the 2002-batch IPS officer to file a counter in the State police department within 15 days.

The tribunal in November had directed the Odisha Government not to take stern action against the IPS officer, adding that the directive will remain intact till further notice.

Notably, the State government had placed Gajbhiye under suspension on August 13 this year for alleged police excesses on innocent people during a demonstration in Kendrapara district.

Gajbhiye, as SP, was leading the police and ordered lathi-charge on the protesting public.

It was also alleged that former Kendrapara SP was giving undue protection to ‘godman’ Sarathi Baba, who was facing the wrath of the people for allegedly cheating them.

Gajbhiye was also embroiled in allegations of illegal acquisition of government land.

On October 20, the Union government had confirmed the suspension of the IPS officer as per the All India Service Rules.