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Bidhan Chandra Patra was suspended with effect from June 18 after disciplinary proceedings were initiated over alleged circulation of audio, video & other material on social media
An order shows that the decision was communicated to the Ministry of Home Affairs on August 27, while the formal order giving effect to the revocation was issued by the CRPF on September 15. Representational image
The President has revoked the suspension of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Bidhan Chandra Patra with immediate effect, nearly three months after he was placed under suspension pending disciplinary proceedings.
An order issued by the CRPF on September 15 states that the President, exercising powers under clause (c) of sub-rule (5) of Rule 10 of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965, has approved the revocation of Patra’s suspension.
The order shows that the decision was communicated to the Ministry of Home Affairs on August 27, while the formal order giving effect to the revocation was issued by the CRPF on September 15.
Patra was placed under suspension with effect from June 18 after disciplinary proceedings were initiated over the alleged circulation of audio, video and other material on social media. The material was alleged to contain messages calling for “changing the government established by law”.
The inquiry was also directed to examine whether the alleged conduct involved any violation of the Official Secrets Act and to assess the extent of any possible leakage of information.
The revocation of the suspension does not bring the disciplinary proceedings to an end. The September 15 order states that the period of suspension will be regularised in accordance with the applicable rules after the pending inquiry is finalised.
Patra’s suspension had drawn criticism from associations representing serving and retired personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). They alleged that the action against the senior officer was linked to the participation of members of his family in protests against the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026, and his alleged promotion of videos relating to those demonstrations.
The associations had maintained that Patra himself was not present at the protests and questioned the disciplinary action against him.
The controversy came against the backdrop of a long-standing dispute among CAPF cadre officers over the deputation of Indian Police Service officers to senior positions in the forces and the promotional opportunities available to officers belonging to the respective CAPF cadres.
Welfare associations of retired paramilitary personnel had also alleged that some serving officers faced adverse consequences after their family members participated in peaceful protests concerning the CAPFs. They had described the action against Patra as discriminatory and demoralising for the force.
The allegations made by the associations are separate from the disciplinary proceedings against Patra, which remain pending.
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Ask News18Bidhan Chandra Patra was suspended on June 18, 2026, following disciplinary proceedings over the alleged circulation of audio, video, and other social media material. The shared content allegedly called for “changing the government established by law” during the passage of the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026. The inquiry was also directed to examine potential violations of the Official Secrets Act and assess any possible leakage of information.
Ask News18About the Author
With more than 17 years in journalism, Ankur Sharma is an Associate Editor specializing in internal security and strategic affairs. He covers the Ministry of Home Affairs, paramilitary forces, and cen…Read More
September 15, 2026, 11:22 PM IST
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