A senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer in Chhattisgarh has been suspended after an administrative investigation found prima facie evidence of misconduct and abuse of office, officials familiar with the matter said on Thursday.
An investigation was launched against Ratan Lal Dhangi, a 2003 batch officer who is Inspector General of Police, in October last year based on a complaint filed by a police officer’s wife accusing him of harassment.
At the time the allegations surfaced, Dhanji was posted as the director of the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose State Police Academy in Chandrakhuri, near Raipur.
The complainant alleged mental, physical and financial harassment, and also claimed that she was under pressure, with fears that her husband might face transfer, officials said. She could not be reached for comment.
Danji denied these allegations, indicating that he had been subjected to blackmail. He said that he has known the woman since 2019 through social media, and that she is related to his family. He claimed that she was blackmailing and harassing him, and claimed that the accusations were to pressure him.
According to the suspension order issued by the state home department, the officer’s conduct was found to be “unbecoming” of high office and indicative of abuse of influence, amounting to prima facie violation of the All Indian Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968.
The order also stated that the matter was widely circulated through electronic media and social media sites, affecting the public image of the police department.
During the suspension period, Dhanji will be attached to the police headquarters in Nava Raipur and will receive subsistence allowance as per rules. He was directed not to leave the headquarters without obtaining prior approval.
Officials said further action in this case will be followed as per procedures.
