Raipur – A senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer in Chhattisgarh, Inspector General (IG) Ratanlal Dangi, has been accused of sexual harassment by the wife of a sub-inspector. The allegations, which reportedly span over seven years, have prompted a formal inquiry by the state police headquarters.
Two senior officers — IG Dr. Anand Chhabra (2001 batch) and IPS Milna Kurre — have been appointed to investigate the case. Both the accused and the complainant have been issued notices to appear before the police headquarters to present their statements.
Inquiry Underway, Both Parties Summoned
According to an official statement from the state police headquarters, the inquiry will be conducted “impartially and transparently.” The investigating officers have been directed to examine digital evidence, call records, chats, and CCTV footage submitted by the complainant.
Dr. Chhabra, who is leading the inquiry, stated that the investigation will follow due process and rely solely on factual evidence. “Every digital record presented will undergo forensic scrutiny,” he said.
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The Allegations: Seven Years of Harassment and Digital Evidence
The complainant — a yoga instructor and the wife of a sub-inspector — has alleged that IG Dangi began harassing her in 2017, after they met through social media while he was posted as Superintendent of Police in Korba. Their acquaintance reportedly developed into frequent communication, which continued even after Dangi’s transfers to Dantewada, Rajnandgaon, and later as IG of Sarguja and Bilaspur ranges.
According to her complaint, Dangi would often call her to his official residence in the absence of his wife and allegedly pressured her to engage in video calls from early morning until late at night. The woman has claimed that this behavior caused her severe emotional distress, leading her to formally approach the Director General of Police (DGP) with evidence including video recordings, screenshots of chats, and call logs.
Dangi’s Response: “A Case of Blackmail”
IG Dangi has firmly denied the allegations, calling them “baseless and motivated.” He claimed to have already filed a 14-point complaint with DGP Arun Dev Gautam, accusing the woman and her associates of blackmail, psychological harassment, and criminal intimidation.
“This is a calculated attempt to malign my reputation,” Dangi said in a written statement. “I have requested an impartial probe and will fully cooperate with the investigation to bring out the truth.”
Chief Minister’s Stern Message: “Law is Equal for All”
Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai has taken a firm stance on the issue, emphasizing accountability and transparency. Speaking to journalists during his visit to Marwahi, he said,
“It doesn’t matter who the officer is — if allegations have been made, there will be an investigation, and if those allegations are proven true, strict action will follow.”
The Chief Minister’s comments are being viewed as a strong signal of “zero tolerance for misconduct” within the state administration.
Early Stage of Investigation
According to senior officials, both the complainant and the accused have been asked to record their initial statements. The inquiry team has also been instructed to verify the authenticity of all electronic evidence. Sources said that if the allegations are substantiated, this could become one of the most serious misconduct cases in the history of the Chhattisgarh Police Service.
Next Steps
Once the investigation concludes, the report will be submitted to the Director General of Police, who will determine the next course of action. For now, the inquiry is focused on gathering testimonies and analyzing evidence.
The state government has reiterated that no external pressure or influence will be allowed to affect the proceedings. In the Chief Minister’s words,
“This new Chhattisgarh will be governed by accountability and the rule of law.”
The case has drawn significant public and administrative attention, not merely because of the rank of the officer involved, but because it underscores the growing demand for transparency and ethical accountability within law enforcement. As the investigation progresses, it will test how firmly the state upholds its principle that no one is above the law.
