Bhubaneswar, May 28: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday suspended senior IPS officer DS Kutey, Special Secretary to Chief Minister
The ECI also directed IPS officer Ashish Singh, IG (CM Security), who is on medical leave since May 4, to present himself for a detailed medical test before a special medical board constituted by AIIMS, Bhubaneswar by May 30.
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.
The ECI order also 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.”
The ECI has also directed the CEO 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.
