Senior IPS officer removed as Odisha prisons chief over harassment allegations

Susanta Kumar Nath, a senior Indian Police Service officer and prominent figure in Odisha's law enforcement hierarchy, has been transferred from his position as Director General of Prisons after a woman jailor lodged allegations of sexual harassment against him.

The 1993-batch IPS officer was considered among the frontrunners for the coveted post of Director General of Police for the state. His removal from the prisons department comes in the wake of the formal complaint filed by the female jailor, marking a significant development in the state's law enforcement administration.

The action reflects heightened scrutiny on workplace conduct within Odisha's police and prison systems. The transfer decision was taken following due procedure regarding the allegations, according to official sources.

Nath's removal represents a notable shift in the state's police leadership prospects, as he had been identified as a potential candidate for one of India's most senior state-level police positions. The case underscores ongoing concerns about workplace harassment and accountability within the state's security establishment.