Odisha SDPO Suspended Over Gold Payment Row

The Odisha Home Department has suspended Santosh Kumar Jena, Sub‑Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Aska, following allegations of misconduct involving unpaid gold ornaments.

A local jeweller accused Jena of failing to clear payments for ornaments taken from his shop, prompting complaints to the Director General of Police and the Chief Minister’s Grievance Cell.

The matter gained traction after a video was posted on Facebook, though later deleted, before the shopkeeper closed his account.

Acting on the complaint, the Ganjam Superintendent of Police submitted a detailed report to the Home Department, which led to disciplinary action.

Under the suspension order, Jena’s headquarters have been fixed at the office of the Inspector General of Police, Southern Range, Berhampur.

He remains under the IG’s administrative control and cannot leave headquarters without prior permission.

He will receive a subsistence allowance as per Rule 90 of the Odisha Service Code.

This case highlights growing concerns over police accountability and the state’s firm stance against alleged misconduct within the force.