Offer to prepare second report came from ex-DGP: Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar

Prakash Singh had submitted his report on the rioting and arson that took place during the agitation in February this year. A total of 30 people had died and property worth crores damaged during the agitation. There were several officers of the civil administration and the police who were indicted in the report. The then Home Secretary P K Das and the then DGP Y P Singhal were removed from their posts. Departmental inquiry is going on in some cases.

Prakash Singh was also entrusted with preparing the second report on police modernisation and reforms. While he held a preliminary meeting with police officials for this, he soon received a letter from the Haryana Home Department that the report was not required.

The CM further said: “No person can say that the government has to take the report. We have given notices to several officers and departmental inquiry is on. It is not for him to decide how much action we take. It is the work of the government. Unhone zabardasti apni niyukti ke liye offer di (He forcibly gave an offer for his appointment). We have refused.”

However, an order of the Home Department dated February 25, 2016, states that Prakash Singh was entrusted with the task of preparing two reports.

“Sh. Prakash Singh, IPS (Retd.) is appointed to inquire into the acts of omission and commission on part of all officers and officials of both police and civil administration during the period 7th – 22nd February, 2016…”

The order states that the DGP “will submit his report in this regard within 45 days”. About the second report, the order reads: “Sh Prakash Singh will also undertake a thorough study of the existing structures, procedures and systems for maintenance of law and order in the State and suggest such improvements in these, as he deems necessary, to prevent recurrence of such incidents in future. He will submit his report in this regard within a further period of one month.”

Shocked at CM’s remarks

Talking to The Indian Express Prakash Singh expressed shock at the CM’s statement. He said, “Where is the pressure from my side? It is the Haryana government which approached me with the inquiry. I agreed to it not to do any favour to Haryana, but in public interest. And I conducted an honest inquiry.

When you say you dont want the second part of the inquiry to be conducted, I said fine. If you do not want further analysis of police structure, the matter ends there. Where is the question of my wanting to do anything forcefully? Am I capable of doing that? I am amazed at this kind of observation.” “The Haryana CM seems to be misled by the people who brief him about making statements in the Assembly.

Why will I make such an offer? If I have to offer I will offer in UP which is my state. Why Haryana where I do not know anyone? Haryana was an unknown province for me. After they sent me a letter that the second inquiry is not required, I never called anyone to let me conduct it,” he said.