Red Hair, Big Debate: DSP’s New Look Puts Odisha Police in a Tricky Situation

Odisha | 30 January 2026 A DSP-rank officer’s bright red hair has unexpectedly sparked a public debate and placed the Odisha Police in an uncomfortable position. The officer, identified as Rashmi Ranjan Das, recently went viral on social media after pictures of his poppy red-coloured hair circulated widely. While some users mocked the look, others questioned whether such an appearance was suitable for a senior police officer in uniform. Several social media users called the hairstyle “unprofessional” and argued that it weakened the authority and seriousness traditionally linked with the khaki uniform. As online trolling increased, the Odisha Police stepped in to address the issue, stressing the need for discipline and decorum rather than issuing any formal punishment or written directive. Inspector General of Police (Central Range) Satyajit Naik said the matter had been taken up at the local level. "I have instructed the Jagatsinghpur SP to tell the officer to maintain decorum and keep his hairstyle decent, befitting a man in uniform," he said. However, the police department has chosen not to issue an official circular on hair colour. Explaining this, Naik added that “everything cannot go by written orders” and that respect for the uniform and personal decency should come naturally to police personnel at all levels. The issue has also triggered differing opinions within the force. A woman police officer pointed out that there is no rule banning hair colouring and said, "We are in the police and perform our duties responsibly. People should not comment on a person’s hairstyle. We welcome criticism if we commit mistakes, but colouring hair is not a crime." Another senior officer noted that women police personnel across the country use various hair shades and said, "One cannot issue an order to keep hair black always." A retired IPS officer added that while the police manual does not clearly define hairstyles, officers are expected to uphold the image of a disciplined force, while another serving officer summed it up by saying that creating controversy over such a matter serves little purpose. DSP’s Red Hair Triggers Online Buzz, Leaves Odisha Police Balancing Decorum and Personal Choice A DSP-rank officer in Odisha has landed the police department in an awkward spot after his bright red hair went viral on social media. The officer, identified as Rashmi Ranjan Das, drew sharp reactions online, with many users questioning whether such a look suited a senior officer in uniform. Some called it “unprofessional” and felt it diluted the seriousness linked with the khaki attire. As trolling picked up, the Odisha Police chose to handle the issue quietly instead of issuing any formal order. Inspector General of Police (Central Range) Satyajit Naik said that the officer had been advised to maintain dignity. "I have instructed the Jagatsinghpur SP to tell the officer to maintain decorum and keep his hairstyle decent, befitting a man in uniform," he said, adding that discipline should come from within. However, the department has avoided releasing a written circular on hair colour. Explaining this, Naik said that “everything cannot go by written orders” and that respect for the uniform and decency is expected from all police personnel, regardless of rank. The stand reflects the force’s attempt to balance discipline without over-regulating personal choices. The debate has also divided opinions within the police. A woman officer said there is no rule against colouring hair and remarked, "We are in the police and perform our duties responsibly. People should not comment on a person’s hairstyle. We welcome criticism if we commit mistakes, but colouring hair is not a crime." Another senior officer pointed out, "One cannot issue an order to keep hair black always," while a retired IPS officer noted that though rules do not spell out hairstyles, officers are expected to uphold the image of a disciplined force.