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| Francis Indwar |
Ranchi, Oct. 18: The state has moved to strengthen its intelligence apparatus ahead of the Centre’s planned offensive against Naxalites next month.
It has posted two inspectors-general (IGs) in the Special Branch while promoting and transferring as many as 17 senior IPS officers. The notification was issued yesterday.
S.N. Pradhan, IG (provision), has been posted as IG in the Special Branch while Ajay Kumar Singh, IG (human rights), has been shifted to the unit as IG (security). The post of IG (security) has been created for the first time for the safety of VIPs while the other IG will take care of law and order problems, particularly Naxalite activities.
Among others, Asha Sinha, IG (training), has been promoted and posted as additional director-general of police (ADGP) in the Special Branch. The ADGP’s post had been lying vacant for a couple of months. M.L. Meena, the regional DIG, Dumka, is new DIG, Special Branch. Nandu Prasad, DIG, Special Branch, has been promoted and posted as IG (budget).
The role of the Special Branch came under public scrutiny following inspector Francis Indwar’s killing. “The success of an anti-Naxalite operation depends on the strength of intelligence. It monitors law and order problems, among other issues, and sends reports. There should be senior officers who can analyse these reports,” pointed out a DIG rank official.
The police establishment in the state had come under fire for its neglect after the brutal killing of Indwar on October 6. “It is a concerted effort to give teeth to the Special Branch and create confidence among sleuths. Home minister P. Chidambaram, during his meeting with state officials, had emphasised strengthening of the intelligence system,” the officer added.
Pradhan, also the state police spokesperson, said by March, the Special Branch would have 2,500 sleuths. At present there are 1200, of whom 40 per cent belong to closed category, which means they can retire from the Special Branch alone,” he added.
Others who faced reshuffle include DIG (personnel) Sampat Meena who has been given additional charge as DIG, Vigilance Bureau. V.H. Deshmukh has been posted as IG (human rights). B.B. Pradhan is new IG (training). Ram Lakhan Prasad, IG, Dumka, is now IG (headquarters). A. Natarajan, DIG, Jungle Warfare School, Netarhat, has been promoted and posted as IG, Dumka.
