New Delhi, June 24: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has suspended a Deputy Inspector General (DIG)-rank officer over allegations of sharing social media content deemed to be against the government during the debate surrounding the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026.
Officials identified the officer as B.C. Patra, a 1994-batch CRPF cadre officer currently posted at the force’s Tripura Sector headquarters in Agartala. Patra was suspended under Rule 10(1) of the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965, pending a preliminary inquiry.
According to officials, the charges relate to the sharing of audio-visual and pictorial content on social media platforms that allegedly advocated changing the lawfully elected government during the passage of the CAPF Bill, which became law after receiving Presidential assent in April.
Confirming the action, CRPF Director General G.P. Singh said all serving and uniformed officers are bound by the Constitution, service rules and the oath they take, and any violation would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Some officers familiar with the matter termed the action “unjustified”, alleging that Patra was being targeted for leading legal battles seeking service parity and promotion rights for CAPF cadre officers vis-à-vis Indian Police Service officers deputed to the forces.
The Alliance of All Ex Paramilitary Forces Welfare Association (AAPWA) has also criticised the suspension and announced a press conference on July 2. Its general secretary, Ranbir Singh, described Patra as an outstanding officer with multiple commendations.
Serving cadre officers had earlier opposed certain provisions of the CAPF Bill, describing them as discriminatory and arguing that continued deputation of IPS officers would affect their career progression. The Ministry of Home Affairs, however, has maintained that IPS deputations are necessary for supervisory roles and to ensure uniformity across police organisations.
