IPS officer who allegedly misbehaved with woman in Goa beach transferred to Andaman

New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) transferred an IPS officer, who was suspended for misbehaving with a tourist in Goa, to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, The Indian Express reported.

The ministry’s decision comes after President Droupadi Murmu has revoked the suspension of the 2009-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of AGMUT cadre.

Dr A Koan, who reportedly misbehaved with a woman tourist at beach club here, was suspended by President Murmu on August 16 last year after Goa police filed a report to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.Goa police claimed that Koan was drunk at the time.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured the Assembly that “strict action will be taken” against the accused.

Rakesh Kumar Singh, Under Secretary, MHA issued an order on July 11, stating that ‘Dr A Koan was placed under suspension as disciplinary proceedings were contemplated against him, in terms of Rule 3 of the All India Services (Discipline 85 Appeal) Rules, 1969. His has been reviewed from time and time in terms of Rule 3 of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969 and, based on the recommendations of the Review Committee, his suspension tenure was extended for a period of 180 days beyond February 10, 2024, till August 7 2024, vide MHA’s order of February 9.’

Singh further said that “And whereas, vide MHA’s memorandum of charge January 31, disciplinary proceedings under Rule 8 of the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, were initiated against Dr Koan. Thereafter, vide MHA’s orders on June 19, Dr V Candavelou, IAS of AGMUT cadre-1997 batch and Omvir Singh Bishnoi, IPS of AGMUT cadre-2004 batch have been appointed as inquiring officer and presenting officer, respectively, in respect of the disciplinary proceedings initiated against him,” Singh said.

Citing the inquiry related to disciplinary proceedings against Dr Koan, Singh said it has been observed that there are no allegations of corruption against him.

Also, it is reported that there was neither any criminal proceedings nor any judicial inquiry pending or considered against the officer as of date.

‘The President, after considering the facts and current circumstances of the case, has come to the conclusion that continuation of the suspension of Dr Koan is no longer in the public interest and, therefore, his suspension may be revoked. And now, therefore, the President, in exercise of the powers conferred under Rule 3 of the All India Services (Discipline 8b Appeal) Rules, 1969, hereby revokes his suspension with immediate effect and reinstated him in service,’ Singh was quoted as saying.

Another order from MHA a few hours later said: ‘With the approval of the Competent Authority, Dr A Koan, is hereby transferred from Goa and posted to Andaman & Nicobar Islands with immediate effect and until further orders.’

It is reported citing an official, who knew about the details of the case, that the officer visited a night club on August 7 night in the Baga area when a woman was partying with her friends there.

‘The incident took place around 4 am. There was no complaint but there were allegations that he accosted the woman and passed objectionable remarks. The woman then slapped him,’ an officer was quoted as saying.