Former top cop B B Mohanti to face major action

The Orissa government has decided to initiate major disciplinary action against suspended top cop B B Mohanti, who has been accused of helping his rape convict son to jump parole, official sources said.

"Another public notice will be issued through newspapers informing the officer (Mohanti) that the government has decided not to extend the deadline for him to surrender," said Home Secretary T K Mishra.

Mohanti, who was suspended on August 24 after a Rajasthan court issued a non-bailable warrant against him, has remained untraceable for the last three months.

The former director general (Fire services) and commandant (Home Guards) was accused of helping his rape convict son Bitihotra jump parole from a jail in Rajasthan, sources said.

Earlier, the government had issued a public notice through newspapers, asking Mohanti to contact the Home Department within 15 days, sources said. When the deadline for Mohanti ended on November 23, he sought more time to surrender.

The government has rejected Mohanti's request and decided to go for major proceeding against the top cop, a senior home department official said adding that he could be arrested and dismissed from government service.

Through the public notice, Mohanti was cautioned that the government could take decision ex-parte in this regard, sources said.