Strange Hair Colour Puts Odisha Cop In The Spotlight
DSP’s naturally reddish hair sparks memes, internal queries and a debate on appearance versus personal circumstance: Reports
BHUBANESWAR: What began as a flurry of memes on social media soon snowballed into an uncomfortable moment for a senior police officer in Odisha, after photographs of his naturally reddish hair went viral and drew unwarranted scrutiny over whether his appearance suited the uniform.
Rashmi Ranjan Das, a Deputy Superintendent of Police posted in Jagatsinghpur district, found himself at the centre of online chatter as users poked fun at — and in some cases criticised — his distinctive hair colour. The images travelled quickly across platforms, prompting questions and commentary that eventually reached the higher echelons of the police department.
The viral attention triggered internal queries, and Das was verbally advised by senior officers to explain the sudden public interest in his appearance. Initially, some within the department assumed the hair colour was the result of cosmetic styling, an assumption that later proved misplaced.
Breaking his silence, Mr Das clarified that the reddish tint was neither a fashion statement nor a personal experiment. “I don’t apply red dye or any colour to my hair. My hair started turning reddish several years ago due to medical and hormonal issues,” he told reporters, seeking to put an end to the speculation.
Sources said the senior police officials acknowledged that they were unaware of the medical reasons behind the change when the issue first surfaced.
Das, the sources added, was issued him a verbal warning and asked why he had changed his hair colour. He then disclosed his medical issues and the matter was clarified only after the discussion.
Interestingly, the Odisha Police rulebook does not prescribe any specific norms regarding hair colour, leaving such aspects of personal grooming largely to individual discretion. Variations in appearance are not uncommon within the force. Many officers sport long or prominent moustaches.
Before the medical explanation came to light, senior officers had informally advised Das to darken his hair to avoid becoming a target of public criticism or online mockery. With the clarification now on record, the episode has prompted quiet reflection within the department.
