In a highly contentious move, former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Basant Rath, who was previously sacked, unleashed a scathing attack on Jammu and Kashmir’s Director General of Police (DGP), Rashmi Swain. Rath accused Swain of failing to provide him with security for campaigning in favor of opposition parties like Congress, PDP, and NC in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the region.
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Through a Facebook post, Rath declared his intention to campaign for these opposition parties in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. He claimed he would visit various areas to “expose the dirty deeds” of what he referred to as the “Dr Jitendra-Devender-Kavinder-Dr Nirmal gang,” though he did not elaborate on who these individuals were.
Expressing concerns over his safety, Rath criticized the “acting” DGP Swain, accusing him of being preoccupied with “photo sessions meant for newspapers like the Early Times.” He issued a stern warning, stating, “If anything happens to me, don’t tell me that I didn’t inform you.”
In a direct attack on Swain’s team, Rath labeled them as “incompetent” in combating the drug mafia in the Union Territory, alleging that some officers were complicit in the problem. Offering to provide evidence, he asserted that his tenure as SSP Jammu was longer than Swain’s, having served in that role in 2009.
Rath’s post urged DGP Swain, “Please don’t turn J and K into UDTA J and K. Some of your officers are a part of the problem. Meet me if you need evidence. I’ve been SSP Jammu. My tenure was longer than yours. I should know what I’m saying.” His remarks highlighted the need for a thorough investigation into the roles of law enforcement agencies in addressing drug trafficking and abuse within the region.
Meanwhile, DGP Swain had previously conveyed a stern warning to drug peddlers in the region, stating that if they persisted in their illicit activities and failed to change their ways, they would face severe consequences, including the confiscation of their houses, land, and even ancestral property. This strong stance stemmed from growing concerns over the fatal drug consumption plaguing society.
Following Swain’s warning, the District Police have been actively taking decisive actions to curb the menace of drug peddling in the area. On a daily basis, they have been confiscating the properties of those involved in this illicit trade, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to upholding the law and ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
Rath further questioned why the DGP had not taken a deputation to Delhi, suggesting it “would do good to your skin. And post-retirement job prospects.” He even made a reference to Swain potentially replacing Ajit Doval as the National Security Advisor (NSA), though the context for this remark was unclear.
Rath’s strongly-worded post sparked controversy, with many questioning the appropriateness of his remarks against the state’s top police leadership. The Jammu and Kashmir Police had not yet officially responded to Rath’s criticisms at the time of reporting.
It is worth noting that Rath had previously joined the BJP through online membership, but the party leadership did not entertain him due to his track record. He had also faced public rejection in Kashmir after claiming he would contest elections against former Chief Ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti.
Indeed, the public sentiment in Kashmir was evident in their rejection of Basant Rath as a potential leader. This rejection was starkly apparent in the overwhelming response to the same social media post where Rath announced his intention to contest elections from the Kashmir valley against the former Chief Ministers.
The Kashmiri public’s overwhelming response served as a clear indication of their reluctance to accept Rath as a viable political figure, underscoring the challenges he would have faced in garnering support and establishing credibility as a leader in the region, particularly given his controversial statements and past actions.
Moreover, Basant Rath’s confrontational stance extended beyond local police leadership. He had penned critical remarks against several high-ranking officials, including the Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, former Director General of Police (DGP) of Jammu and Kashmir Dilbagh Singh, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) M.K. Sinha, and other IAS and IPS officers.
These written criticisms reflected Rath’s confrontational approach towards authority figures. Subsequently, on August 9, 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) took decisive action, ordering the premature retirement of the suspended IPS officer Basant Rath. This move by the MHA underscored the gravity of Rath’s actions and signaled a significant development in his controversial career trajectory.
