Booked for ‘sexually harassing, intimidating’ woman officer, Odisha jail DG removed

The Odisha government removed the director general of prisons and correctional services, Susanta Kumar Nath, on Sunday following his arrest for charges of sexual harassment and intimidation of a female officer. Nath, a 1993 batch IPS officer, was among those considered for the next position of Director General of Police. He has now been transferred to a punishment posting as an officer-on-special duty in the home department.

Although the specific reasons for his transfer were not detailed in the notification, senior officers believe it is connected to the case lodged against him. The case, registered on Friday, encompasses charges of sexual harassment, criminal intimidation, and common intention under the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita law. The deputy chief of police in Cuttack informed the home department about the case.

The complainant alleged that Rath, an alleged associate, contacted her twice in August and September 2025, inviting her to dinner at hotels in Cuttack, which she described as unwelcome sexual advances. She also claimed that Nath pressured her to drop a case against another senior official. The department has assured that all the allegations will be thoroughly investigated, and the accused and others involved will face appropriate action.

Nath did not respond to inquiries about the allegations and his removal. The state government is awaiting the probe report into these allegations, especially as the case regarding the selection of Odisha's next DGP is currently under Supreme Court review, and Nath served as an intervenor in that matter after the withdrawal of his integrity certificate.