The Odisha government has suspended two senior officials in connection with two separate cases following approval by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
The suspension proposals were approved after both officials were arrested in separate cases and remained in judicial custody for more than 48 hours, as per government rules.
Arun Kumar Biswal Arrested in Sexual Assault Case
Arun Kumar Biswal, Additional Secretary in the Commerce and Transport Department, was arrested by Kharavela Nagar police following a complaint filed by a young woman, reportedly a colleague.
The woman has levelled allegations of rape, kidnapping and murder against Biswal. Following the complaint, police recorded her statement and subsequently arrested the senior officer.
Biswal was taken to Capital Hospital for a medical examination after his arrest and was later remanded to judicial custody.
Cuttack Jail Senior Superintendent Also Arrested
Sujit Kumar Raul, Senior Superintendent of Cuttack Circle Jail, has also been suspended after his arrest in connection with a case involving the escape of two inmates from the jail.
Raul was arrested in the case and subsequently sent to Choudwar Circle Jail in judicial custody.
Suspension Follows 48-Hour Custody Rule
According to government rules, an official who remains in custody for more than 48 hours is liable to be placed under suspension.
As both Arun Kumar Biswal and Sujit Kumar Raul had remained in jail custody for more than 48 hours following their arrests, the government initiated the suspension process, which was subsequently approved by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.