BeyondHeadlines News Desk
New Delhi: Without caring about his suspension by the Narendra Modi-led Gujarat Government, IPS officer Sanjeev Bhatt continues to stick to his guns. While speaking to TIMES NOW news channel, Bhatt reiterated that the Gujarat Government was trying desperately to cover up the truth. He added that by suspending him, the State government was trying to set an example for other officers not to turn whistleblowers.
The 1988 batch IPS officer was suspended on Monday for unauthorised absence from duty, exactly 3 days after he presented an affidavit in the Supreme Court where he alleged that the state machinery was trying to shield the 2002 riots accused. He even nailed the SIT for leaking crucial information.
He was placed under suspension by the Home Department in exercise of powers conferred by Rule 3(1) of All India Services (Discipline and Appeals) Rules, 1969. The specific reasons cited against Bhatt were unauthorised absence from duty, non- appearance before a departmental panel and alleged misuse of official vehicle.
Bhatt had earlier targeted Modi directly for his role in the riots of 2002. Sources close to the Gujarat chief minister have slammed IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt, saying that he was being exploited as a toy at the hands of Congress party.
Meanwhile, Senior IPS officer Sanjeev Bhatt said he would challenge his suspension by the Gujarat government, claiming that the action was prompted by his petition in the Supreme Court on the 2002 post-Godhra riots.
The Narendra Modi government, however, contested Bhatt’s claim, saying that it was not the case and that the suspension was prompted by his acts of indiscipline. “This (suspension of Bhatt) was direct reaction to the petition filed by Bhatt in the Supreme Court. I believe that the actions was biased,” Bhatt’s lawyer Iqbal Sayed told the media.
“We are weighing legal options and deciding on forums where the suspension order could be challenged,” he said.
According to Syed, they have two options — either going directly to the Supreme Court or approaching the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT).
State DGP Chitranjan Singh talking to newsmen in Gandhinagar said the action against Bhatt was for indiscipline as he has been absent from duty of posting as principal of SRPF training unit, Junagadh, for over 10 months.
When asked to comment on Syed’s claim that the suspension was result of Bhatt’s affidavit in the Apex Court, Singh said that was not the case.
The disciplinary action was taken after preliminary inquiry report by a senior ADGP level officer, he added.
Congress demanded shifting of all riot related cases outside the state for proper action against the accused in the wake of his petition before the Apex Court.
