Ex-IPS officer registers online with BJP, party plays it down

BJP’s J&K unit chief spokesperson Sunil Sethi, however, said, “He has only registered himself online, not taken membership of the party…. Anyone can register himself using the online facility.”

Sethi said multiple factors are taken into consideration while taking such a decision, given that BJP is a “disciplined party”.

An IGP-rank officer who earned both accolades and criticism from the people for his efforts to regulate traffic movement as IGP (Traffic), especially in Jammu and Srinagar cities, Rath had been under suspension for the last more than three years after his frequent social media posts levelling serious allegations on DGP Dilbag Singh.

Rath had even filed a police complaint against the DGP, alleging threat to his life.

The Home Ministry order dated August 7, which became public on Wednesday, stated: “In exercise of the powers conferred under Rule 16(3) of All India Services (Death-Cum-Retirement Benefits) Rules, 1958, the President in consultation with the UT Division, Ministry of Home Affairs hereby requires Shri Basant Kumar Rath, IPS (AGMUT: 2000), a member of the Indian Police Service borne on AGMUT cadre, to retire in public interest with immediate effect by giving three months’ pay and allowances in lieu of notice…”

Rath had announced resignation from service in June 2022 and later expressed his wish to contest election against either Omar Abdullah of the National Conference or Mehbooba Mufti of PDP on a BJP ticket.