Former top cops slam sub-inspector’s suspension

Thakur had moved a breach of privilege motion against Suryavanshi in the Assembly the next day. The same evening,Suryawanshi was beaten up by a group of MLAs,including Thakur and MNS MLA Ram Kadam in the Vidhan Bhawan lobby.

“The suspension is pending inquiry,but why didn’t they suspend him in the beginning? I don’t know if he (Suryawanshi) had misbehaved,but if he had done so,action should have been taken against him right away. Instead,he was beaten up by MLAs. Suspension at a belated stage is an afterthought. It has only complicated matters. It is preposterous and will demoralise the police,” former Maharashtra DGP K Subramanyam told Newsline

On Wednesday,Speaker in the state Assembly Dilip Walse-Patil suspended five MLAs including Thakur and Kadam,for beating up Suryawanshi. Thakur and Kadam were arrested on Thursday,but were granted bail on Monday after having spent three days in police and judicial custody.

The state’s action to suspend Suryawanshi is based on the findings of the inquiry undertaken by Deputy Commissioner of Police S R Nilewadi which allegedly indicate that the police officer had violated the code of conduct.

Jayant Umranikar,former Director General (Special Operations) said as per norms,a policeman is suspended when the lapses he is accused of could result in his removal or dismissal from the force.

“The balance between the administration and the political executive has tilted in favour of the latter. On the basis of what happened in this case,can the officer be removed or dismissed?” he said.

Former Mumbai Police Commissioner M N Singh welcomed an inquiry against Suryawanshi,but said his suspension seemed to be a “prestige issue’’ for MLAs.

“It has become a clash of egos between the politicians and the police. It looks like the MLAs have mounted pressure on the government to take action against the sub-inspector; this action is belated,” said Singh.

“After public outrage against the beating of a police officer,on the face of it,it is fair that an inquiry must be completed. Prima facie,it seems unfair and unjust,and will have a demoralising effect on the force. If the PSI was rude or misbehaved with the MLA,let there be a fair inquiry,but suspension at this stage is uncalled for,” he added.

A suspension usually takes place only when an officer is accused of criminal misconduct or moral turpitude,Singh said. “There are well laid out guidelines in the police discipline and conduct rules,and the sub-inspector’s suspension does not fit into these. The government is under pressure,and this was an easy way out,” said Singh.