Top Mumbai cops give mixed signals for IPL

But DGP SS Virk,who took over as the state’s police chief this month but was barred from election-related work by the EC due to his alleged involvement in controversies during elections in Punjab in the past,contradicted his colleague. “As the DG of the state,I report to the state government. If the state Government approves and does take a decision to hold IPL matches,then I will have to make arrangements for the same,” Virk said. “Between Suprakash and me there is proper co-ordination and we will provide every help needed whenever a situation arises. Our common goal is to ensure no law and order situation arises and the force is properly deployed.”

According to Chakravarty,who reports to the Election Commission,the state is waiting to see if the manpower the state police has said it needs for election duty is made available. “(Since) the Centre has already made it clear that no paramilitary force will be deputed for IPL security,we have to wait to hear the election commission’s orders,” Chakravarty said. “IPL is not my baby. My job is to conduct free and fair elections. In the end,I am answerable to the Election Commission and till April 30 the priority is elections.”

When asked if the organisers had approached the state police,Virk replied,“Nothing has been finalised yet. Talks are happening at various levels. We have pointed out that there are certain things that are fine,but certain things need to be reworked.”

Meanwhile,the IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi did not have any clear answer either. “Why don’t you wait for official comment. We already have multiple schedules for multiple possibilities and we are just awaiting for the government’s clearance before releasing it,” he said.