Transfers are not merit-based: cops

MUMBAI, June 23: Demoralising8217; was what some senior oficials had to say about the transfers of 24 IPS officers throughout the state, including that of Additional Commissioner of Police, north west region, Satyapal Singh. Top-ranking officials say the transfers have been effected in a haphazard and arbitrary manner and have no basis in merit.

Except for the appointment of D Shivanandan as Joint Commissioner, Crime, other officers are not of that high a calibre as is expected, aver senior officers. Some of the transfers are aimed at pleasing political masters, it is believed. While the appointment of D Shivanandan as joint commissioner of police, crime, was described as most appropriate8217;, the transfer of the additional commissioner of police, Satyapal Singh, was seen as unjust. An officer of the 1976 IPS batch, Shivanandan is known for his integrity and non-controversial reputation. During his tenure as Additional Commissioner of Police, Crime, and later as north-west region chief, Shivanandan had anexcellent track record. His image as a 8220;tough cop8221; and 8220;hard task master8221; and his immunity from political support will work to the advantage of the crime branch in general and to Shivanandan in particular.

Singh, on the other hand, had barely completed a year as Additional Commissioner of Police, north west region. As per a recent government resolution, an IPS officer is supposed to complete at least three years in a post. His transfer is seen as a 8220;case of victimisation8221; and a 8220;punishment for rubbing some of his seniors the wrong way8221;. His transfer will have its impact on crime in the north west region, notorious as one of the hottest among the four regions in the city.

Officers have also faulted the appointment of S B Pardhi or R P Khilnani to replace Singh. Singh8217;s earlier experience as DCP, zone VII, and his exposure to the city greatly facilitated policing, while the same cannot be said either of Pardhi or of Khilnani, although Khilnani is regarded as a 8220;promising kid8221; by some, stated anadditional commissioner of police. Similarly, Ramrao Ghadge too was thought to have done a good job in the north-east region. He was reportedly booted out8217; due to his detractors8217; whims, said an assistant commissioner of police from the north-east region.