Raipur: A senior officer of the Indian Police Service in Chhattisgarh has been placed under suspension after a departmental inquiry found preliminary evidence suggesting misconduct and misuse of official position. The action was taken against Ratan Lal Dangi, a 2003-batch IPS officer currently holding the rank of Inspector General of Police (IGP), officials confirmed on Thursday.
The suspension follows an internal investigation initiated in October last year after a complaint was filed by the wife of another police officer. The complainant accused Dangi of harassment and misuse of influence while he was serving as Director of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose State Police Academy located in Chandrakhuri near Raipur.
Complaint alleged mental, physical and financial harassment
According to officials familiar with the matter, the complaint alleged that the senior IPS officer subjected the woman to mental, physical and financial harassment. She also reportedly stated that she was under severe pressure and feared that her husband could face an imminent transfer because of the officer’s influence within the police establishment.
Sources indicated that the seriousness of the allegations prompted the state government to initiate a departmental inquiry to examine the circumstances surrounding the complaint and determine whether official conduct rules had been violated.
Attempts to obtain additional comments from the complainant were unsuccessful.
Officer denies allegations, claims blackmail and extortion
Ratan Lal Dangi has strongly denied all allegations leveled against him and maintained that he himself was a victim of blackmail.
According to his version, he had known the complainant since 2019 through social media interactions. He further claimed that over time, the woman had become familiar with his family and had regular contact with household members.
Dangi alleged that the woman extorted money from him and later used harassment accusations to exert pressure and coerce him. He maintained that the complaint was motivated and intended to damage his reputation.
Home department cites prima facie breach of conduct rules
The suspension order issued by the home department of the Chhattisgarh government stated that the officer’s conduct appeared to be “unbecoming” of a senior public servant.
The order noted that preliminary findings indicated misuse of influence and conduct inconsistent with expected standards of senior officers, amounting to a prima facie violation of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968.
Officials said that under service rules, any conduct that undermines institutional credibility or reflects abuse of official position warrants disciplinary review.
Media attention cited as reputational concern for police department
The suspension order also highlighted that the matter had received widespread media attention, which officials believe adversely affected the public image of the police department.
Authorities observed that because the allegations involved a senior officer holding an important administrative role, the publicity surrounding the case had generated concern within official circles and raised questions about institutional accountability.
Attached to headquarters during suspension
During the suspension period, Ratan Lal Dangi has been attached to the police headquarters in Nava Raipur.
As per service regulations, he will receive subsistence allowance during the suspension period. He has also been directed not to leave headquarters without prior approval from competent authorities.
Further departmental proceedings to continue
Officials said further proceedings in the matter will continue in accordance with established disciplinary procedures. The departmental inquiry is expected to examine documentary evidence, statements and relevant records before final conclusions are drawn.
The case is being closely watched within administrative and police circles, given the seniority of the officer involved and the implications for service conduct standards.
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.
