The Odisha government on Tuesday suspended 2007 batch IPS officer Pandit Rajesh Uttamrao for grave misconduct.

The officer had been serving as the DIG (Deputy Inspector General) Fire Services and Home Guards.

The home department in a notification said: “A disciplinary proceedings against Pandit Rajesh Uttamrao, IPS is contemplated on the grounds of grave misconduct as a Member of the Indian Police Service.

“Now, therefore, the Government of Odisha, in the exercise of powers conferred by sub-rule (1) of Rule 3 of the All India Services ( Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, hereby places the said Shri Pandit Rajesh Uttamrao, IPS under suspension with immediate effect.”

Official sources said on July 27 night, Pandit Rajesh Uttamrao, in an inebriated state, barged into the house of a married lady inspector who is serving as an inspector in the Odisha Crime Branch. Pandit Rajesh Uttamrao and had tried to drag her out of her house. Suddenly, the lady inspector’s husband reached the spot and there was a scuffle ensued between them.

Later, police reached the spot and brought the situation under control.

The state government took action following the submission of a confidential report
by the DGP (Director General of Police) against the IPS officer on the incident that occurred in the Capital police station jurisdiction on July 27 night. A formal complaint is yet to be filed in the police station, “Once we get a formal complaint, we will initiate action as per law,” said Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Prateek Singh.

During the suspension, the IPS officer will remain at the state Police Headquarters, Cuttack.

“He shall not leave the headquarters without obtaining the permission of the DGP,” the notification said.