TNI Bureau: Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha, R.S. Gopalan, has directed the suspension of Banaja Das, BDO of Badashahi and Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO), for alleged negligence and dereliction of duty during preparations for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and other election-related responsibilities in Mayurbhanj district.

In a letter to the District Election Officer and Collector, Mayurbhanj, the CEO stated that Banaja Das failed to attend a virtual training programme for Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) held on May 23 despite prior intimation and clear instructions. A show-cause notice was issued to her, but she allegedly neither responded nor provided any justification for her absence.

The CEO further noted that she also failed to participate in training programmes for Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and BLO Supervisors conducted on May 26 and 27, which were crucial for the upcoming SIR exercise. Instead, she reportedly availed casual leave and remained absent from duty without prior approval.

Taking serious note of the repeated lapses, the CEO recommended her suspension and directed the district administration to initiate necessary action.