In a major administrative shake-up, the Government of Odisha announced a high-level reshuffle of senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers across the state.
Under the new postings, DG (Prisons) Sushant Kumar Nath, IPS—who is currently facing a criminal case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) following workplace harassment allegations—has been transferred and appointed as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Home Department.
Key IPS Transfers and Additional Responsibilities
The senior-level police reshuffle includes several crucial operational leadership changes across state departments:
- Prisons & SFSL: Santhosh Bala, Director of the State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFSL), has been assigned additional charge as Director General of Prisons and Correctional Services.
- Home Department & Transport: Senior officer Amitabh Thakur takes over as the Transport Commissioner in Cuttack, while Rajesh Kumar has been given additional responsibilities as Special Secretary to the Home Department.
- Vigilance & Headquarters: Saara Sharma, returning from central deputation, has been posted as DIG, State Vigilance. Amritpal Singh, former Nuapada SP, steps into the role of SP, Police Headquarters.
- District SP Postings: Gundala Reddy Raghavendra (former Jharsuguda SP) has been appointed AIG, Police Headquarters. Sonali Singh Parmar takes over as the new SP of Jharsuguda, while Tapan Narayan Rath has been posted as SP of Nuapada district.
Parliamentary Standing Committee Summons Issued
Adding to the ongoing administrative developments, official notices have been dispatched to key administration officials by a Parliamentary Standing Committee.
Both Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Hemant Sharma and former Jail DG Sushant Nath have been formally summoned to appear before the parliamentary panel. The developments follow recent formal intimations transmitted between the Police Commissionerate and the Home Ministry regarding internal departmental proceedings.
