By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR:Social activist Prakash Chandra Das has called upon the Government of India and the Government of Odisha to expeditiously conclude the departmental proceedings initiated against IPS officers D.S. Kutey (RR-1997) and Ashish Kumar Singh (RR-2004) in connection with allegations relating to the 2024 General Elections.
According to Shri Das, the Election Commission of India (ECI), by its order dated 28 May 2024, directed the suspension of Shri D.S. Kutey, who was then serving as the Private Secretary to the Chief Minister of Odisha, over allegations of interference in the conduct of the General Elections and violation of the Model Code of Conduct. He stated that while the ECI revoked the suspension on 6 June 2024, it clarified that the remaining directions contained in its order dated 28 May 2024 would continue to remain in force.
Referring to documents obtained under the Right to Information Act, 2005, Shri Das stated that the Home Department, Government of Odisha, issued a Show Cause Notice along with the Articles of Charge to Shri D.S. Kutey on 21 August 2024, requiring him to submit his written statement of defence. He further stated that a similar notice, accompanied by the Articles of Charge and Statement of Imputations of Misconduct, was issued to Shri Ashish Kumar Singh on 6 August 2024.
To ascertain the status of the departmental proceedings, Shri Das filed an RTI application before the Public Information Officer of the Home Department on 7 November 2024.
According to the RTI reply dated 18 December 2024, Shri D.S. Kutey had not submitted his written statement of defence, while Shri Ashish Kumar Singh submitted his written defence on 6 September, 25 September, and 8 October 2024.
Shri Das alleged that despite the issuance of charge memoranda and the passage of considerable time, the departmental proceedings against both officers have not yet been concluded. He also alleged that Shri D.S. Kutey was permitted to proceed on Central Deputation while the departmental proceedings were still pending.
Shri Das further stated that on 24 December 2024, he submitted representations to the Prime Minister of India, the Union Home Minister, and the Chief Minister of Odisha, requesting appropriate action against the two officers.
According to information obtained under the RTI Act, the Prime Minister’s Office informed him on 3 April 2025 that the matter had been forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs, which had already issued directions on 17 January 2025 for appropriate action. He further stated that, as per another RTI reply received from the Ministry of Home Affairs on 22 April 2025, the Ministry had addressed a communication dated 30 January 2025 to the Government of Odisha requesting appropriate action.
Shri Das claimed that despite these official communications, the departmental proceedings against both officers remain pending. He urged the Election Commission of India, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Chief Secretary to the Government of Odisha, and the Secretary, Home Department, to ensure that the proceedings are concluded expeditiously in accordance with the applicable service rules.
He further stated that if appropriate action is not taken by the Government of Odisha within 15 days, he will intensify his public campaign and pursue further legal remedies.
Shri Das emphasized that the timely and transparent conclusion of departmental proceedings against public servants is essential for ensuring administrative accountability, strengthening public confidence, and upholding the integrity of the civil services.
The press conference was attended by social and RTI activists Prakash Das, Srikanta Pakal, Sudhir Mahanti, and others.
