IPS officer to remain suspended for 6 more months

The state government has extended the suspension of controversial IPS officer Deepak Pandey for another six months, over his alleged involvement in the Akola sex scandal, reports Ketaki Ghoge.

The state government has extended the suspension of controversial IPS officer Deepak Pandey for another six months, over his alleged involvement in the Akola sex scandal.

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Last February, an 18-year-old college girl from Akola named several government and police officials in a sex racket that she said exploited several women. Pandey was accused of helping the suspects in the case.

The inquiry into the case is still on. Pandey was suspended earlier following complaints of torture by his wife, IAS officer Nidhi Pandey.

Pandey, posted as superintendent of police in Akola, was suspended in May over the Akola case.

The then home minister RR Patil had announced his suspension on the floor of the state assembly, to ensure a smooth enquiry into the case. The state CID, which is probing the case, had earlier expressed apprehensions about victims coming forward to testify against the top policeman in the district.

The state must review all suspensions of IPS and IAS officers every six months. A committee headed by the chief secretary accordingly reviewed Pandey’s case last month and found merit in extending his suspension till June. “The suspension was extended by the Chief Secretary led committee as per General Administration department rules,” said additional chief secretary Chitkala Zutshi.