ECI Revokes Suspension of IPS Kutey, Directs Action Against IGP Ashis Singh

Bhubaneswar: The Election Commission of India (ECI) revoked the suspension of senior Odisha IPS officer D S Kutey. But the poll body instructed action against IPS officer Ashish Kumar Singh for misrepresentation of facts about his health condition.

Kutey was the special secretary to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. He was suspended by the ECI on May 28 for “unduly interfering in conduct of election”.

The ECI had ordered for medical examination of IG (CM Security) Ashis Singh by a special medical board of the AIIMS Bhubaneswar. Singh was on medical leave since May 4.

In a letter to Odisha’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) dated June 6, the ECI stated that in its report, the special medical board of AIIMS, Bhubaneswar has declared Singh physically and mentally fit.

Noting that it was a case of misrepresentation of facts on the part of the IPS officer, the Commission directed that the report of the Special Medical Board of AIIMS, Bhubaneswar be forwarded to the Chief Secretary for appropriate necessary action against the officer as deemed fit.

Regarding Kutey, the Commission said his suspension should be revoked with immediate effect with the condition that the other directions given in its letter dated May 28 will continue as per the rules applicable. Departmental proceedings, if instituted, may only be decided with concurrence of the Commission, it said.

Kutey may report to the Chief Secretary for further posting, as deemed fit, it added.