Odisha Police Officer's Red Hair Sparks Controversy and Disciplinary Action
A senior police officer in Odisha has found himself at the center of an unexpected controversy over his distinctive hair color. Deputy Superintendent of Police Rashmi Ranjan Das, a 49-year-old officer known for his tough stance against criminal elements, has been formally directed by police headquarters to immediately abandon his flamboyant red hair and return to a natural color.
Viral Photos Trigger Online Storm
The issue came to a head this week when photographs of DSP Das in his police uniform, sporting vibrant red hair, spread rapidly across social media platforms. The images, which went viral on Wednesday, sparked a flood of memes, mockery, and heated debate about professionalism and appearance within the police force.
Das, who is currently posted in Jagatsinghpur district approximately 60 kilometers east of Bhubaneswar, had been maintaining this distinctive hair color for some time. However, it was the circulation of uniformed photographs that brought sudden and intense public scrutiny to his personal style choice.
Police Headquarters Issues Formal Warning
By Thursday, the matter had reached the highest levels of the state police administration. Inspector General (Central Range) Satyajit Naik issued a formal warning to the officer, explicitly directing him to revert to his natural hair color without delay.
"One in the police force should respect the uniform and accord utmost priority to discipline and public decorum," Naik stated emphatically, adding that he took immediate action as soon as the situation came to his attention.
Mixed Reactions from Public and Colleagues
The online response to the viral photographs was largely critical, with many social media users questioning whether such a bold hair color was appropriate for a uniformed officer. One widely circulated post questioned, "Does such an awful hair colour and look suit a uniformed officer?" while another suggested that "One can gauge this officer's professionalism ... from his hair colour."
Critics argued that a flashy appearance could potentially undermine the authority and seriousness that the police uniform is meant to represent. However, on the ground in Jagatsinghpur, local residents offered a different perspective, defending the officer based on his professional track record.
"He is a terror for criminals," said Prabodh Pradhan, a local resident. "Someone's efficiency should not be judged from his or her hairstyle."
Previous Warnings Ignored
Police sources revealed that DSP Das, who is now posted with the human rights protection cell, had previously received informal advice from colleagues to tone down his hair color but had chosen to ignore these suggestions.
"We often advised him to dye his hair black, which is acceptable and appropriate. But he ignored our advice," a colleague disclosed, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Police Manual and Professional Standards
Retired police officer SN Swain provided context regarding official regulations, noting that while the police manual does not explicitly specify hairstyle requirements, it does emphasize expectations of simplicity and professionalism in appearance.
DSP Das declined to comment on the controversy when approached. The message from police leadership appears unequivocal: within the disciplined ranks of the khaki uniform, there is minimal tolerance for personal expression that might be perceived as undermining professional decorum.
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between individual expression and institutional expectations within India's law enforcement agencies, particularly in the age of social media where personal appearances can quickly become matters of public debate and disciplinary concern.
