CRPF Revokes Suspension of DIG B C Patra After Presidential Approval

The Central Reserve Police Force has revoked the suspension of Deputy Inspector General B C Patra, a senior cadre officer who was placed under suspension in June over social media posts that allegedly criticised the government.

A September 15 order issued by the CRPF Directorate General said the President, exercising powers under the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965, approved the revocation of Patra's suspension with immediate effect.

Patra, a 1994-batch CRPF cadre officer, is posted at the force's Tripura Sector headquarters in Agartala. He was suspended on June 17.

Officials had earlier said the charges against him related to sharing audio-visual and pictorial content on social media platforms that allegedly called for changing the country's lawfully elected government during the passage of the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill.

The Bill, which allows the continued deputation of Indian Police Service officers in the forces and became an Act after receiving presidential assent in April, drew opposition from CAPF cadre officers, who described it as discriminatory. Retired CAPF officers claimed that the deputation of IPS officers in leadership roles would slow down the career growth of CAPF officers.

Patra had returned to the CRPF in April after completing a deputation posting with the National Security Guard.

His suspension had triggered criticism from a section of former CAPF officers. The Alliance of All Ex Paramilitary Forces Welfare Association called it hasty and illegal. Its general secretary, Ranbir Singh, had earlier defended Patra, describing him as an outstanding officer who had received multiple awards. The association had also alleged that CAPF personnel and their families were being targeted for opposing the CAPF Act.