Odisha DSP asked to revert to natural hair colour after red-hair look sparks controversy

A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district has been directed to revert to his natural hair colour after drawing attention on social media for dyeing his hair red. 

The officer, 49-year-old Rashmi Ranjan Das, is known among colleagues as a tough officer and is currently attached to the Human Rights Protection Cell.

The issue surfaced after Das’s photograph circulated widely online on Wednesday, triggering discussion over discipline and appearance in the police force. Soon after, the Inspector General (Central Range), Satyajit Naik, issued a directive asking him to change his hair colour.

“Everyone in the police force should respect the uniform and give utmost priority to discipline and public decorum,” Naik said, adding that action was initiated as soon as the matter came to his notice.

Police sources said Das had earlier been informally advised to revert to a conventional appearance but did not act on the suggestions. Though there are no explicit rules in the police manual regarding hairstyles, senior officers maintain that simplicity, discipline and a dignified presentation are expected from uniformed personnel.

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Das declined to comment on the controversy. Police headquarters has reiterated that any compromise with the discipline and decorum associated with the uniform will not be tolerated.