Bhubaneswar: The Odisha’s Home Department has directed DGP Y B Khurania to initiate disciplinary proceedings against suspended IPS officer Dayal Gangwar.
The letter dated June 29 has asked the police department to submit the draft charges and supporting documents for government approval under the All India Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969. According to rules, once an officer is suspended, the government must start proceedings within 30 days.
A 1998-batch IPS officer, Gangwar was transferred to the Home Department as OSD on May 26 in what was widely seen as a “punishment posting” after the alleged mob lynching of government railway police (GRP) constable Soumya Ranjan Swain (32) on May 7, triggered allegations of misuse of official authority. He was then serving as ADG Communications.
Gangwar was subsequently suspended on June 18 following an inquiry into the allegations that the 32-year-old constable had been illegally engaged in domestic work while serving under him. Soumya’s parents claimed that he was under severe mental stress when he worked under the IPS officer, who they alleged compelled him to perform personal duties unrelated to official work.
“… the Director General of Police, Odisha has submitted a confidential report regarding retention of eight GRP personnel by Dayal Gangwar, IPS (RR-1998), former ADGP, Communication, Odisha (at present OSD, Home Department) for work in his residence, even after his transfer from the post of ADGP Railway & Coastal Security without approval of the competent authority,” the suspension order issued by the Home Department read.
It further noted that “disciplinary proceeding” is being contemplated against the IPS officer “on the grounds of grave misconduct”.