The Odisha Home Department has extended the suspension of Mr. Pandit Rajesh Uttamrao, a 2007-batch IPS officer, for another 60 days, effective January 26, 2025. This decision follows a review by a committee led by Chief Secretary Mr. Manoj Ahuja (1990-batch IAS officer) on January 22.
Mr. Uttamrao has been under suspension since July 30, 2024, for alleged grave misconduct. Initially suspended for 120 days, his tenure of suspension was set to conclude on January 25, but the committee recommended its extension.
The disciplinary action stems from an incident on July 27, 2024, under the Capital Police Station area, where Mr. Uttamrao allegedly forced entry into the residence of a married lady inspector from the Bhubaneswar Economic Offences Wing. According to the allegations, he attempted to drag her out of her house and pressured her to marry him.
The Odisha government suspended Mr. Uttamrao under the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, citing violations of Indian Police Service rules. At the time of the incident, he was serving as the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Fire Services and Home Guards.
This extension underscores the Odisha government’s commitment to addressing serious misconduct allegations within the Indian Police Service.
