Raipur: A major controversy has erupted in the Chhattisgarh Police Department after a 2003-batch IPS officer, Ratan Lal Dangi, was accused of sexual harassment by the wife of a sub-inspector. The woman lodged a written complaint at the Police Headquarters, prompting the registration of a case and the initiation of a high-level probe.
According to sources, the investigation into the allegations has been assigned to Inspector General (IG) Anand Chhabra, a 2011-batch IPS officer. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that the government would ensure a fair and impartial investigation, stating, “Whether an IPS or IAS officer is accused, strict action will be taken if the allegations are found to be true.”
The Allegations: Woman Accuses Officer of Harassment and Blackmail
The complainant — the wife of a sub-inspector — has alleged that IPS officer Ratan Lal Dangi, currently posted at the Chandrakhuri Police Academy, sexually harassed her and mentally tortured her.
The woman has demanded a transparent investigation and claimed that Dangi abused his power and position. The matter has triggered shockwaves within the police department, given Dangi’s long and decorated service record.
IPS Officer’s Defense: Claims of Blackmail and Suicide Threats
In his written response to the Director General of Police (DGP), Ratan Lal Dangi denied the allegations, claiming instead that the woman had been blackmailing him and threatening suicide.
He stated that the woman had been in contact with him for a long time and often resorted to emotional and coercive tactics, including:
- Bringing a bottle of poison to his office and threatening to kill herself.
- Forcing him to take oaths on his mother and sons.
- Demanding he avoid physical contact with his wife and sleep separately.
- Keeping him on video calls through the night to ensure compliance.
According to Dangi, the woman even took screenshots from private video calls and used them to blackmail him. When he tried to cut contact, she allegedly slashed her hand and sent him pictures, threatening suicide.
He further claimed that she tried to extort money by using his name to help others and later turned hostile when he refused further assistance. Dangi alleged that the woman and an accomplice sub-inspector even forcibly entered his residence and showed his staff obscene photos, creating chaos.
Chief Minister’s Response: “No One Is Above the Law”
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai commented on the case, reiterating his government’s zero-tolerance stance on misconduct.
“No officer, whether IAS or IPS, is above the law. If the allegations are proven, strict action will follow,”
he said.
The case has now been handed over for investigation under IG Anand Chhabra, ensuring an independent and impartial probe.
Who Is IPS Ratan Lal Dangi?
Ratan Lal Dangi, a 2003-batch IPS officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre, hails from Malas village in Nagaur district, Rajasthan. Born on August 1, 1973, to Suman Lal and Bhanwari Deoi, Dangi comes from a humble background — his parents were daily wage labourers.
Despite financial hardship, Dangi excelled academically, completing his early education in government schools in Nagaur and later earning his BA and MA degrees from MDS University, Ajmer.
He began his career as a government school teacher at the age of 20 and later cleared the Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) exam to become a Tax Inspector, then Naib Tehsildar. In 2002, he cracked the UPSC Civil Services Examination with an All India Rank of 226, joining the Indian Police Service in the 2003 batch.
Throughout his career, Dangi has served as Superintendent of Police (SP) in Korba, Bilaspur, Kanker, and Bijapur, and as Inspector General (IG) in Surguja, Durg, Bilaspur, and Raipur. He is also the first IPS officer from Chhattisgarh to receive two President’s Police Medals for his service.
What Lies Ahead
As the investigation proceeds, both the complainant’s allegations and Dangi’s counterclaims will be examined by the inquiry team. The case has drawn significant public attention due to the involvement of a senior officer with a distinguished record.
The outcome of the probe is expected to have wide implications for accountability and ethics within the police service in Chhattisgarh.
