Odisha Govt unlikely to withdraw Satish Gajbhiye suspension  

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Nov 4:

Former Kendrapara SP Satish Gajbhiye may have to remain under suspension for a longer period of time as Odisha Government is highly unlikely to revoke the order.

As per sources, a decision on this context was taken today in a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Gokul Chandra Pati and attended by Secretaries of Home and General Administration Departments. The meeting decided in favour of continuation of the suspension as draft charges have already been framed against him.

Even though the decision didn’t go in favor of Gajbhiye, state BJP demanded even more stringent action and accused ruling BJD of protecting the top cop.

“Gajbhiye is an administrative officer who has covered up many dark deeds of this government. The opposition parties, the media and opposition leaders have said this many times before. The Home Minister cum Chief Minister is probably worried to take strong action against him as he is worried that he might reveal some dirty secret,” said BJP MLA Basant Panda.

It may be noted that the Principal Secretary of the Home department has served a notice to Gajbhiye on October 13 after charges were framed against him. Besides, the Union Government has already approved his suspension since October 17 as per All India Service Rules.

He was served a notice by Odisha government’s Home Department and intimated about it through the Director General of Police. The notice seeks a reply from the beleaguered IPS officer to explain as to why action should not be taken against him. He is expected to comply with it within 30 days.

Notably, Gajbhiye was placed under suspension on August 13, six days after using excess force against agitating locals and BJP Kendrapara president near Sarathi ashram. Charges such as violation of human rights and police excess were leveled against him following the incident on August 7.

State Government was in back foot as the IPS officer mired in controversy not only over the Sarathi Baba issue but also because of purchase of a huge tract of land in his wife’s name in Nimapara. This purchase is also under investigation now.