Ishrat case accused made in-charge DGP

Senior IPS officer P.P. Pandey on Saturday took over as in-charge DGP of Gujarat following the unexpected transfer of incumbent P.C. Thakur to Delhi.

Mr Pandey, who is out on bail in the case related to the alleged fake encounter case of Ishrat Jahan and three others, had spent around 18 months in jail. The case is at present pending before a local court.

“I am serving as police officer in Gujarat for the last 35 years... Now I have only one duty and that is to serve the people of the state with all my abilities,” Mr Pandey told reporters in Gandhinagar after he assumed charge.

The Gujarat government had late on Friday night issued a notification to relieve Mr Thakur and gave the charge to Mr Pandey.

“Pursuant to the government of India, ministry of personnel, public grievances and pensions, department of personnel and training, New Delhi’s letter dated 15/4/2016 DGP P.C. Thakur is hereby relieved from the state cadre with effect from 16/4/2016 (fore noon) and his service pleased at the disposal of GoI as director general fire services, civil defence and home gaurds for a period up to date of his superannuation,” the notification said.

“Shri P.P. Pandey director, anti-corruption bureau, Gujarat state should hold the additional charge of director general and inspector general of police, Gujarat state in addition to his duty as director ACB with effect from 16/4/2016 (fore noon),” the notification further said.

Mr Pandey, who was suspended after his arrest in the Ishrat fake encounter case, was taken back in the service after four days of his release on bail on February 5, 2015.

Speculation is rife on whether the state government will make a permanent appointment for the post of DGP, or will continue with Mr Pandey as in-charge DGP.

Mr Thakur, who took charge as DGP of Gujarat in December 2013, had eight months of service left, on being moved to Delhi.

The state government apparently was unhappy with Mr Thakur regarding his handling of the Patel quota agitation.