‘I am just waiting for the Ribeiro report’

That is not the case. The then Mumbai Police Commissioner P S Pasricha was in the rank of Additional Director General of Police. On January 31, he was promoted to the rank of Director General of Police. Since the official of the rank of ADG alone is eligible for posting as Mumbai Commissioner, there was no option before the government but to transfer him on promotion. I don’t want to comment on the decisions taken in the past, but here after, we will abide by the rules and ensure that posts are not elevated or downgraded to favour a particular person. So far as Pasricha’s case is concerned, one must look at it from the point of administration, not over emotions.

• Did Maharashtra Governor Mohammed Fazal express displeasure over the abrupt transfer of Pasricha?

N Sunder

So far, I have not seen the communication from the Governor. But certainly my government will make its submissions to the Governor on the row.

• Your first major decision after becoming Home Minister is dogged with controversy. Everyone seemed to believe that you will be able to cleanse the state Home Department post Bhujbal. In an election year, what is your agenda to stand up to the faith? How will you convince us living abroad that Maharashtra is in a better hands than the saffron brigade?

Bhushan Patil

In the days to come, you will know that the steps taken by my government will further improve the police administration. We were on the top and in future also, we will maintain our position. But the fact remains that we will have to work hard. I found that quite a large number of officials were reluctant to take up assignment with the Special Branch and CID. My policy is to encourage honest officials and completely isolate corrupt and erring police officials.

Secondly, I found that owing to international events, there is mounting pressure on the Mumbai Police. Any untoward incident in any part of India has its adverse impact on Mumbai. In addition, we have to spare lot of manpower for the security of VIPs visiting Mumbai and also for religious functions and personalities. We are working out a new strategy to tackle these problems.

• Last week you cancelled the transfers of 122 Assistant Police Inspectors, which has only drawn strong protests from activists of Right to Information. Can you please explain as to why the police officers recruited by the Maharashtra Public Service Commission serve only at selected places, but not the entire state.

Shahid Raza

It’s a fact that I stayed the transfers of a section of API, not owing to political reasons, but for administrative reasons. When it was brought to my notice that they were unseasonal transfers, I asked the department to halt them for the time being. I have asked the department to issue the transfer orders only in the month of April and May so that the academic career of their children will not be disturbed. In April, all these officials will join at their new places.

• It has been alleged that there is rampant corruption in postings and transfer of police officials. Is it true?

B K Maheshwari

I am in favour of complete transparency in transfer and postings of police officials. In fact, former IPS officers led by former Director General of Police J F Ribeiro and S S Jog called on me a week ago in connection with large-scale malpractices in postings and transfers. I have asked them submit a comprehensive proposal so that I can act on them. I am waiting for a report from them. Once the report is received, I will personally hold talks with them and frame a new policy.