The Election Commission of India (ECI) has suspended Kishan Sahai Meena, a 2004 batch IPS officer of from the Rajasthan cadre, for taking unauthorized leave during his election duty in Jharkhand. The suspension comes after Meena was found to have violated explicit instructions regarding his deployment as a police observer for the Jharkhand Assembly elections in October.
In a letter dated November 12 to the Rajasthan Chief Secretary, the ECI termed Meena’s actions as a “dereliction of duty” and took strict action for his absence from his assigned polling stations. Meena had been deployed as a police observer for the constituencies of Sisai, Gumla, and Bishnupur in Jharkhand, overseeing the election process and ensuring fair conduct during the polling and re-polling phases.
Despite clear directives, Meena left his duty station in Jharkhand without obtaining prior approval on October 28 and returned to Jaipur, undermining his responsibilities during a crucial election period. The ECI’s letter stated that Meena’s appointment as a police observer was made following his nomination by the Rajasthan government on October 21 and formal approval on October 23. He was instructed to report to his assigned constituencies by October 24 and oversee polling activities before returning only once his duties were completed.
This is not the first time Meena has faced disciplinary action. The officer had previously been placed on the Awaiting Posting Orders (APO) list and was involved in controversies related to his remarks on people’s religious beliefs. His career has been marked by a series of disputes, but he continued to hold significant positions in the Rajasthan Police force.
Promoted as an IPS officer in 2013, Meena has held several key roles, including Superintendent of Police (SP) in Tonk and Ajmer districts, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in the CID-CB and Jail departments, and Inspector General (IG) of Armed Battalions. In 2023, he was appointed IG of Human Rights at the Rajasthan Police Headquarters in Jaipur. Despite his long service, his record has been marred by repeated disciplinary issues.
The suspension is likely to raise questions about Meena’s future in the Rajasthan Police, given his history of disciplinary challenges. The ECI has made it clear that any failure to adhere to election duties will be met with stringent consequences.
