In a significant development, the Odisha government has revoked the suspension of 1997 batch IPS officer DS Kutey and appointed him as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Home Department. This decision, effective immediately, follows the directives of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to suspend Kutey due to allegations of undue interference in the electoral process.
Kutey, who was serving as the Special Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) in the previous Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government, was suspended on May 28 by the ECI. The suspension, which came just three days before the final phase of elections in Odisha on June 1, was intended to ensure fairness and a level playing field in the electoral process. During his suspension, Kutey’s headquarters was set at the Office of the Resident Commissioner, Odisha, New Delhi.
The Home Department’s order stated, “State government after careful consideration have been pleased to revoke the suspension of Shri DS Kutey, IPS with immediate effect pending initiation of disciplinary proceedings. Now, therefore on revocation of suspension, Shri DS Kutey, IPS is posted as OSD, Home Department.”
The ECI’s initial action against Kutey was aimed at curbing undue influence on the election machinery. Alongside Kutey, the ECI had also directed another IPS officer, Ashis Singh, the then IG of the Chief Minister’s security, to appear before a medical board. Singh, who had been on medical leave since May 4, was also appointed as OSD in the Home Department on July 11.
In addition to these changes, the state government has transferred Resident Commissioner of Odisha Bhawan in New Delhi, Ravi Kant, to the Home Department as OSD. Vishal Gagan, the Special Secretary in the Industries Department, has been given the additional charge as Resident Commissioner until further notice.
These appointments mark a significant reshuffle within the Odisha government, with around five IPS officers now shifted to the Home Department as OSDs in the new administration. The state’s efforts reflect a strategic move to bolster the Home Department with experienced officers following the recent electoral process.
