'My immediate priority is to clear my name'

<div class="section1"><div class="Normal"><script language="javascript" src="Config?Configid=43376741"></script><br /><img align="left" src="/photo/284319.cms" alt="/photo/284319.cms" border="0" />MUMBAI: His uniform hangs on the wall in the drawing room of his almost spartanlooking flat in Suniti, near Mantralaya. Mumbai''s police commissioner R.S.Sharma will probably have no use for it any more because he is on leave until the end of this month, after which he retires. The mood in the house appears to be one of despondency, but Mr Sharma says he is determined to clear his name which has been tarnished during the investigations into the multi-crore fake stamp-paper scam which has rocked Maharashtra. He spoke to TNN on Friday evening about the controversy surrounding his alleged role in the scam and his decision to go on leave. Excerpts:<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">Where was the need to go on leave, especially since you have only a fortnight before retirement?</span><br /><br />I sent my leave application to additional chief secretary (home) U. Mukhopadhyay on Thursday. I did so to uphold the high traditions of the police commissioner''s office. I did not want this important post to be at the centre of any controversy. I acted in the most professional manner by applying for leave.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">What was the immediate provocation for going on leave?</span><br /><br />After the Special Investigating Team (SIT) gave its report to the Mumbai high court, I thought it fit to go on leave. I do not know the contents of the report, but media reports say it contains adverse remarks about me. I did not want the commissioner''s post to be embroiled in controversy. So, I applied for leave.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">There are reports that the SIT accused you of acts of commission and omission in your handling of investigations into the scam.</span><br /><br />Without seeing the SIT report, I would not be able to give any response. But I swear on my children that I am totally innocent. I have enormous faith in the judiciary and I am positive that ultimately my innocence will be established unequivocally.<br /><br />I have nothing against the SIT. I answered each and every one of the questions asked by it to the best of my ability.My conscience is clear. As the police commissioner of Pune, had arrested Abdul Karim Telgi, the prime accused in the scam. If I had any vested interest, I would not have arrested him. I was only doing my duty as a police officer when arrested Telgi,who has caused immense damage to the economy through his activities.<br /><br /></div> </div><div class="section2"><div class="Normal"><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">But the then additional commissioner (crime) of Pune, S.M. Mushrif, has levelled serious allegations against you.</span><br /><br />I have replied to all the points raised by him. I would not like to state anything further since the matter is sub judice. It is said that you angered a powerful section of the IPS lobby of Maharashtra when you managed to get yourself appointed Mumbai''s police commissioner earlier this year.<br /><br />I was appointed by the government on merit, I did not manage anything. And proved my mettle. The bomb blasts and other crimes were solved expeditiously. Lawand-order and communal situations were kept under control despite several constraints. Unfortunately, these things do not get highlighted.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">The allegation, however, is that during your tenure, Telgi was treated with kid gloves by the crime branch. </span><br /><br />We took action against all those against whom there were serious allegations. The Mumbai police played a major role in unearthing the multi-crore scam. That deserves to be appreciated.<br /><br /><span style="" font-weight:="" bold="">What plans do you have for your retirement?</span><br /><br />My immediate priority is to clear my name completely. I am temporarily passing through a bad phase, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thetimesofindia.online/cms.dll/articleshow?msid=283213" target="_blank">The story so far</a></div> </div>