Chhattisgarh suspends IPS officer over harassment complaint, Probe Ordered

The Government of Chhattisgarh has suspended Inspector General of Police Ratan Lal Dangi following serious allegations of physical and mental harassment and financial irregularities made by a woman, officials said.

Dangi, a 2003-batch Indian Police Service officer, was placed under suspension with immediate effect on Thursday for alleged violations of service conduct rules and behaviour deemed unbecoming of a senior officer. The action was taken after a preliminary assessment found prima facie evidence of misconduct.

According to the suspension order, Dangi is accused of violating provisions of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, including failure to maintain standards befitting his position, breach of moral conduct, misuse of official influence, and deviation from established administrative norms. The order also noted that the allegations, widely circulated on electronic and social media, had adversely affected the image of the police department.

The complainant, officials clarified, is not a government employee but the wife of a sub-inspector. She had filed her complaint on October 15 last year, detailing allegations of harassment and financial misconduct.

A departmental inquiry has been initiated under the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969 , with a probe committee comprising senior officers, including Anand Chhabra and Milna Kurre, tasked with examining the charges and fixing accountability.

Dangi has denied the allegations, terming them baseless, and has filed a counter-complaint accusing the woman of blackmail.

During the suspension period, he has been directed to remain at the police headquarters in Nava Raipur. He will receive a subsistence allowance as per rules and cannot leave headquarters without prior permission.

Officials said further action will depend on the findings of the ongoing departmental inquiry.