Election Commission Suspends Odisha IPS Officer for Interference in Elections

Election Commission suspends senior IPS officer in Odisha for undue interference in election process, orders medical examination for another

The Election Commission of India suspended senior IPS officer D S Kutey, serving as special secretary in the Odisha Chief Minister’s Office, for “unduly interfering in conduct of elections”. Additionally, IPS officer Ashish Kumar Singh, on medical leave since May 4, was asked to undergo examination by a special medical board to ascertain his illness and treatment undergone.

The move came after CEO Odisha’s communication and various field inputs indicated undue influence by Mr. Kutey and Mr. Singh on officers involved in election work. While specific charges were not mentioned, the action is linked to the alleged vandalism of EVMs by BJP’s candidate for the Khurda Assembly seat during the sixth phase of elections on May 25. BJP claims the candidate was framed. The EC’s action aims to curb undue influence and ensure fairness in the electoral process.