Srinagar, Aug 10, KDC: In a stunning turn of events, Basant Rath, an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the AGMUT cadre, has been subjected to a premature retirement following a Ministry of Home Affairs evaluation that deemed him unfit for his position.
Rath, who in 2018 held the position of Inspector General of Police Traffic, has recently made headlines for all the wrong reasons.
A memorandum issued on August 7 by Director Sushma Chauhan in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) stated, “After careful consideration of the proposal of the UT Division and the performance of Shri Basant Kumar Rath, IPS (AGMUT 2000), the Central Government has come to the conclusion that the officer is not fit to be retained in service in public interest. The Central Government has, therefore, decided to retire Shri Basant Kumar Rath prematurely from service in public interest.”
Consequently, a subsequent order from the President invoked Rule 16(3) of the All India Services (Death-Cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958, mandating Rath’s immediate retirement. The order reads, “In exercise of the powers conferred under Rule 16(3) of the All India Services (Death-Cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958, the President in consultation with the UT Division, Ministry of Home Affairs hereby requires Rath to retire in public interest with immediate effect by giving three months’ pay and allowances in lieu of notice.”
The disconcerting aspect of Rath’s recent history revolves around a relentless smear campaign launched against Director General of Police Dilbagh Singh. Singh, a prominent and respected figure, played a pivotal role in maintaining order during the complex circumstances surrounding the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. His tenure was marked by a steadfast commitment to restoring tranquility to the region amidst challenges.
Regrettably, Rath’s contributions took a negative trajectory as he chose to forsake constructive discourse in favor of mudslinging and unprofessional conduct. Utilizing social media platforms and videos, Rath propagated unverified allegations against Director General Dilbagh Singh, resorting to inappropriate language and inflammatory rhetoric. This lamentable approach not only besmirched Rath’s own professional reputation but also disrupted harmony within the police force and undermined public trust in the integrity of law enforcement.
Upon extensive scrutiny and consultations, the Ministry of Home Affairs reached a resolute conclusion that Rath’s behavior ran contrary to the expectations of a public servant. The decision to prematurely retire him stems from Rule 16(3) and was founded on the officer’s inability to uphold the revered standards that accompany the role of an IPS officer.
This development serves as a poignant reminder that civil servants are held to a stringent criterion of professionalism and ethical conduct.
Rath’s actions cast shadows not only on himself but also erode the faith citizens place in the unwavering dedication of law enforcement agencies. (KDC)
