Suresh Dev Datta Singh Takes Charge As Twin City Top Cop After Bharatpur Custody Assault Case

Cuttack/Bhubaneswar: Senior IPS officer Suresh Dev Datta Singh assumed charge as Commissioner of Police (CP) of Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissionerate Police on Monday afternoon.

The 1998-batch IPS officer succeeds Sanjeeb Panda, who has been transferred and posted as ADG (Training) and director of Biju Patnaik State Police Academy (BPSPA). Panda was appointed CP only nine months back.

Singh was earlier posted as ADG (Operations) and tasked with an important responsibility to curb the Maoist menace in the state.

He was accorded a guard of honour at the Commissionerate Police’s headquarters and then took charge from Panda. “Today, I have assumed charge as CP of the twin cities. I will soon review the law and order situation and prepare a road map with my team. People expect effective crime prevention from police and proper investigation and timely justice in case of a crime. Those approaching us with any grievances will be treated properly. People can approach Commissionerate Police freely. The Commissionerate Police is open to suggestions and take appropriate steps for course correction,” said Singh, stressing humanitarian and sensitive policing.

Singh also warned of stern action against those challenging the law and order and creating nuisance in the society.

The Odisha government had effected a major reshuffle in top IPS ranks on Sunday, shifting Panda as well as Bhubaneswar DCP Prateek Singh amid the huge embarrassment over the recent Bharatpur police station incident where an army officer was allegedly assaulted and his fiancée sexually harassed by cops.

Prateek Singh has been appointed as the Cuttack Rural SP. He will be replaced by Puri SP Pinak Mishra.

Also Read: Odisha Govt Transfers SPs Of 23 Districts; Pinak Mishra New Bhubaneswar DCP

CID-CB ADG Arun Bothra, who was leading the investigation into the alleged custodial assault case, has also been transferred and posted as ADG Railways and Coastal Security. He was relieved from the additional charge of managing director of Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) too.

Vinaytosh Mishra, who was Director of State Crime Records Bureau, will replace Bothra as CID-CB ADG.