Bhubaneswar, May 28: In a major development, the Election Commission of India on Tuesday directed the Chief Electoral Officer in Odisha to suspend senior IPS officer and Special Secretary to the Chief Minister of Odisha, DS Kutey for unduly interfering in conduct of the ongoing simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assembly.

"DS Kutey, IPS (RR:1997), Special Secretary to CM be placed under suspension under relevant service rules for unduly interfering in conduct of election," reads an official communique.

"His headquarter is fixed at the Office of Residential Commissioner Odisha, New Delhi where he shall report by 3 pm on 29th May 202," it said.

The ECI also directed a detailed medical examination of Ashish Kumar Singh, IG (CM Security), who has been on medical leave since May 4, 2024.

"Ashish Kumar Singh IPS(RR:2010), IG (CM Security), being on medical leave since 4th May 2024, be present himself for detailed medical examination by a special medical board constituted by Director AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, not later than 30th May 2024. Chief Electoral Officer shall coordinate to ensure that Director AIIMS Bhubaneswar constitutes special medical board to ascertain illness and treatment being undergone. Report on this shall reach the Commission latest by 31' May 2024," the ECI ordered.

The ECI also ordered expeditious investigation in the case registered against Prashant Jagdev, BJP MLA candidate from Khordha assembly constituency who was arrested on Monday over allegations that he had damaged EVM in a polling booth.

The step was taken in view of curbing undue influence on the election machinery and maintaining the level playing field and fairness in the electoral process, the ECI said.

The Assembly and Lok Sabha elections are being held simultaneously in the state in four phases from May 13 to June 1.

The last phase of simultaneous elections in six Lok Sabha seats in Odisha- Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur- and 42 assembly segments coming under these Lok Sabha constituencies will be held on June 1.

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