In an order issued today, the ministry said the the accused 2000 batch IPS officer Rath would be placed under suspension in exercise of powers conferred by the 1996 All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules. As per the orders, the authorities conyemplated disciplinary proceedings against Rath in connection with the repeated conduct of offence.
As mentioned in the media reports, MHA has directed the ISP officer not to leave the headquarters of Jammu and Kashmir police without taking permission of DGP Dilbagh Singh.
Besides this, the order mentions that suspended during the period of suspension Rath will be paid subsistence and dearness allowances as are admissible under All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, on production of a certificate that he is not engaged in any other employment, business, profession or vocation.
Heated Brawl Between Basant Rath And DGP Dilbagh Singh
As claimed in various reports, recently Rath filled a written complain against 1987 batch IPS officer Dilbagh Singh, who is the Director General of Police of the Union Territory at present.
Rath in its complaint said that the top cop posed a threat to his safety and reputation. He accused Dilbagh of giving threats to his life and liberty. In letter written to Jammu's Gandhi Nagar Police Station SHO, Rath stated that the authorities must make a note of his complaint at least if not filing an FIR.
The spat soon came into public bring major embarrassment for the administration as well as showing a disconnect among the top administrative officers in the union territory.
The matter has now further escalated as Rath soon after his suspension posted few Tweets from his handle mentioning "Dilloo" which possibly refers to Dilbagh Singh.
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As quoted in an IANS report, Rath in a series of tweets said: "Ishq for Dilloo and his bosses - 24 carat. Ishq for Dilloo's business partners - 23.18 carat. Ishq for Dilloo's political mentors - 22.37 carat. Ishq for Dilloo's daaru suppliers - 21.52 carat. Ishq for Dilloo's Kashmir Firstpost Whatsapp stenographer friends - 20.24 carat."
"Dear 1978 batch IPS guy who quit his job and now teaches in a top US university. You with your IIT degree, world class publications and American accent. Why can't the academic in you handle the criticism of the IPS on a public forum? Why these sensitive gums, Verma jee?," posted in another Tweet, adding "Apna to kaam hai jalaate rahe chiraag. Rastey mai chahiye Dost ya Dilloo ka ghar miley."
The officer further said, "Hey Dilloo Darlling. You carry a price on your forehead; I carry a value in my young friends' hearts. You know how to play with a straight bat? Come hold this bat for the camera and show me your grip."
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Basant Rath And His Admirers
Basant Rath has become a popular figure among the people of jammy Kashmir who highly applaud the officer for his effective regulation of traffic in the Union Territory.
He has his set of fan following especially after he starting shipping out some text books and other study material in remote areas of of the state for young an underprivileged people. He highly promoted higher studies among the youth and encouraged them for preparing for competitive exams.
Despite massive love and appreciation from the residents and localities, Rath has made to headlines for having run-ins with some senior and powerful politicians bureaucrats and police officials following which he was shifted to his present posting last year.