Maharashtra home minister on why Mumbai police chief was shunted out

NEW DELHI: Param Bir Singh was shunted out as Mumbai police commissioner after some of his colleagues committed "serious and unforgivable mistakes", Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh disclosed on Thursday.


Deshmukh made these remarks a day after the Maharashtra government ordered the transfer of Singh after the NIA probe into the bomb scare near Mukesh Ambani's residence led to the arrest of police officer Sachin Vaze.



In an interview, Deshmukh disclosed that Singh was shifted to ensure that the probe into Vaze episode is conducted "properly and without hindrance".

Speaking at an event organised by Lokmat newspaper and aired by ABP Majha news channel, Deshmukh said that the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the NIA are conducting the probe into the episode "professionally".

He said that action will be taken against whoever is found guilty in the respective probes by the NIA and ATS.

"This is not an administrative transfer (of Singh). Some things have come to light through the probes conducted by the NIA and the ATS," Deshmukh said.

"Some of the colleagues of the (former) Mumbai police chief (Singh) committed some serious mistakes. Those are unforgivable mistakes. Hence, he was transferred. Further action will be taken based on the probe report," he added.

Asked about the BJP and the MNS's allegation that political bosses of the officials are not being acted against, Deshmukh said, "The NIA and ATS are conducting the probe professionally. They will definitely find out whoever is guilty."

Singh, under fire for the handling of Ambani case, was transferred to the low-key home guard by the the state government.

Acting Director General of Police of state Hemant Nagrale replaced Singh.

Assistant police inspector Vaze was arrested by the NIA recently over its probe into the recovery of an explosives-laden SUV near Ambani's house on February 25.

Vaze (49), credited with eliminating 63 alleged criminals in 'encounters', is also facing heat in the murder case of Thane-based businessman Mansukh Hiran.

Hiran was found to be in possession of the Scorpio car that was parked near Ambani's house. He was later found dead in a creek in Thane on March 5.

Hiran's wife accused Vaze of involvement in her husband's suspicious death.

(With inputs from PTI)

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