Odisha BJP Government Transfers IPS Officer Ashish Kumar Singh Amid Controversy

The newly elected BJP government in Odisha transferred IPS officer Ashish Kumar Singh to the Home Department as an Officer on Special Duty. The move comes after similar transfers of senior IAS officers and amid allegations and complaints of Singh's close ties with the BJD party and election misconduct.

The newly elected BJP government in Odisha on Thursday transferred IPS officer Ashish Kumar Singh, who was considered close to the BJD leadership, to the Home Department as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD).

The order follows the transfer of several senior IAS officers known to be close to V K Pandian, aide to former chief minister and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik.

“Ashish Kumar Singh, IPS, (RR-2004), IGP, CM (security) is transferred and posted as OSD, Home Department with immediate effect," a notification revealed, highlighting that such postings are often viewed as punishment assignments.

This move comes after the Election Commission, citing electoral complaints by the Odisha BJP, had transferred Singh and several other senior officers to non-election duties in April. Singh was then assigned to IG, chief minister’s security.

Subsequently, the BJP raised further complaints alleging Singh's continued bias towards the BJD. The EC suspended Singh in May for interfering in election processes and directed him to undergo a detailed medical examination due to his prolonged sick leave.

In June, the EC advised the Odisha government to take action against Singh, citing his misrepresentation of his health condition.