‘Don’t worry’: Rajasthan's suspended IPS officer’s message to his social media followers

JAIPUR: Rajasthan-cadre IPS officer Kishan Sahai Meena , who was suspended by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for dereliction of duty during elections in Jharkhand, took to social media to assure his followers that they shouldn't worry.

In a Facebook post addressed to his 1.25 lakh followers on Friday night, Meena promised to soon explain the circumstances surrounding his suspension. The promotee IPS officer was suspended earlier this week for taking unauthorised leave from his election duties in Jharkhand.

"Friends, please do not worry. Rest assured that I neither lie nor harbour dishonesty in my mind. As far as my duty is concerned, wherever I was posted, both the police staff and the public there know how dedicated I was to my work," Meena wrote.

The officer added, "Apart from fulfilling the duties of my position, I meet 50-100 people daily or stay in contact with them via phone and messages. All of you are connected with me as well. I will share details about the current case/matter later."

His post garnered over 7,000 likes and thousands of comments from his followers, many expressing their support for him.

In a letter dated Nov 12, addressed to the Rajasthan chief secretary, the ECI stated that Meena was deployed as a police observer in Jharkhand for the assembly elections in Sisai, Gumla and Bishnupur constituencies but, despite explicit instructions, he left his duty station on Oct 28 without approval and returned to Jaipur.

The letter further revealed that Meena's appointment as a police observer was finalised following his nomination by the Rajasthan govt on Oct 21, with subsequent approval on Oct 23.

He was directed to report to the assigned constituencies by Oct 24 and oversee polling and re-polling, if required, before leaving the constituency.