Special Secretary in the Chief Minister's Office, DS Kutey, has been suspended and Ashish Singh will undergo a medical examination, as directed by the Election Commission.

The Election Commission of India is taking swift action in response to allegations of unfair practices during the ongoing Odisha Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. The Chief Electoral Officer of Odisha raised concerns about the interference of high-ranking officials in a communication dated May 27, 2024.

The Commission has taken note of the involvement of two officials, DS Kutey and Ashish Kumar Singh, both IPS officers, in influencing the work of election officers. In order to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, the Commission has directed that the investigation against Prasanta Jagadev, a BJP MLA candidate accused of damaging an Electronic Voting Machine, must continue without any hindrance and in accordance with the law.

To further ensure the fairness of the elections, the Commission has decided to suspend DS Kutey under relevant service rules for his involvement in the undue interference of the electoral process. Kutey has been instructed to report to the Office of Resident Commissioner, Odisha, New Delhi, by 3:00 PM on May 29, 2024. Furthermore, the Chief Electoral Officer of Odisha has been tasked with preparing a draft chargesheet against Kutey, which must be issued by the Chief Secretary of Odisha by 5:00 PM on May 30, 2024.

Additionally, Ashish Kumar Singh, who has been on medical leave since May 4, 2024, has been directed to undergo a thorough medical examination by a special board formed by the Director of AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, by May 30, 2024. The Chief Electoral Officer of Odisha has been instructed to oversee the formation of this board and submit a report to the Commission by May 31, 2024.

In a press release, the Election Commission emphasized its unwavering commitment to maintaining the sanctity of the electoral process and ensuring that elections are conducted without any undue influence. These measures serve as a reminder of the Commission's dedication to conducting free and fair elections.

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