Odisha DSP who took on the underworld warned over flaunting bright red hair - 'Dye back immediately'

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• Odisha DSP Rashmi Ranjan Das ordered to revert red hair to natural color
• Photos of Das's red hair in uniform went viral, sparking memes and criticism
• Police cited discipline and decorum; some defended Das's professional record

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Odisha Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Rashmi Ranjan Das has found himself in the middle of an online storm after sporting bright red hair while in uniform.

The 49-year-old officer, known for his tough stance against the underworld, was ordered by police authorities to immediately revert to his natural hair colour after photographs of him went viral on social media, leading to memes, and criticism, The Times of India reported.

Das, currently posted in Jagatsinghpur district, about 60 km east of Bhubaneswar, had been sporting the red hair for some time.

However, the images circulated widely on Wednesday leading to the intervention of police headquarters on Thursday. IG (central range) Satyajit Naik issued a formal directive asking Das to change his hair colour, citing the importance of discipline and public decorum in uniformed service.

"One in the police force should respect the uniform and accord utmost priority to discipline and public decorum," Naik said.

Many online posts questioned whether such a bold hair colour was appropriate for a police officer, arguing that flashy appearances undermined the authority and seriousness associated with the uniform. One widely shared post remarked, "One can gauge this officer’s professionalism … from his hair colour."

Meanwhile, some have defended Das, pointing to his record against criminals. "He is a terror for criminals. Efficiency should not be judged by hairstyle," TOI quoted Prabodh Pradhan, a resident of Jagatsinghpur, as saying.

Police officials added that Das, now posted with the human rights protection cell, had repeatedly ignored informal advice to tone down his hair, with colleagues suggesting he dye it black to maintain uniform decorum.

Retired officer SN Swain noted that while police manuals do not explicitly dictate hairstyles, simplicity and professionalism are expected. Das has declined to comment publicly.