BJP seeks removal of DGP alleging violation of norms

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday sought the removal of Jharkhand director general of police (DGP) Anurag Gupta, alleging that the Hemant Soren government violated Supreme Court guidelines for the appointment of state police chiefs and appointed a tainted officer to the top post.

- Vishal Kant

RANCHI:

Addressing a press conference, former chief minister and Jharkhand BJP chief Babulal Marandi also sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the functioning of Gupta, a 1990-batch IPS officer, who was appointed DGP earlier this week.

Gupta was appointed the DGP on February 2 per the new rules approved by the Jharkhand cabinet on January 7, wherein a selection panel headed by a retired high court justice would recommend a name. Earlier, the state would appoint the DGP from a panel of IPS officers approved by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).

"The appointment is a violation of the SC guidelines laid down on DGP appointments in the Prakash Singh case in 2006. The SC said that states can pass a new Act over the issue. However, the Hemant government formed the new rules through an executive order, which was approved by the cabinet. Rules are made based on an Act. These rules become invalid in that context," said Marandi.

Seeking Gupta's removal, Marandi further alleged that even the provisions of the new regulations had not been followed.