Mulayam rules out POTA, cops beg DSP to stay

The resignation of DSP Shailendra Singh of the Special Task Force over inaction against MLA Mukhtar Ansari has triggered a tug-of-war in the political circles. While Singh’s colleagues have been persuading him to withdraw his resignation and the administration not to accept it, Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav has called it a publicity stunt.

The PPS Association and a few NGOs backed Singh and called upon the government to retain him to keep up the ‘‘morale’’ of the force. Yadav, however, said he would not impose POTA against any political leader. Ansari was involved in a gun seizure over which Singh had recommended imposition of POTA.

‘‘My government will not invoke POTA against anyone. This decision is not backed by partisan attitude but has been taken to ensure that the provision is not misused in the future for settling scores,’’ Yadav said.

While Singh refused to withdraw his resignation, members of the PPS Association met the Governor, principal secy (Home) and the state police chief, requesting them not to accept the resignation. Senior police officers were seen camping near Singh’s house, trying to get him to withdraw his resignation.