Turmoil continues as decision to transfer IPS and SPS officers are withdrawn

Commissioner Naval Bajaj has withdrawn the decision with regards to the transfer of IPS and SPS officers which was announced days ago. The decision has sparked controversy in the Mumbai Police force.

With the surge in the number of coronavirus cases, Mumbai police are handling law and order in the city on a large scale, shoulder to shoulder with the doctors in the essential services, to gain control over the novel coronavirus. The tenure of several IPS and SPS officers had come to an end over the last several days. However, there was a delay in the process of transfer as a consequence of the COVID-19 crisis. However, transfer orders of 12 officers were issued in Mumbai on July 2. The order was signed by Joint Commissioner of Police Naval Bajaj.

Meanwhile, there is an atmosphere of resentment among the Deputy Commissioners of Police over the transfers. According to sources, discussions are underway in the police force to withdraw the transfer order. Circle 3 Deputy Commissioner of Police Avinash Kumar and Circle 5 Deputy Commissioner of Police Niyati Thackeray Dave have been relieved of duty for appearing at the place of appointment on central deputation. The remaining 10 Deputy Commissioners of Police have been ordered to take over their previous posts with the signature of Commissioner of Police Naval Bajaj.

On the other hand, the Mumbai Police had earlier stated that their guidelines for restricting people to travel beyond the 2-km-radius were an appeal, not an order. This came after the NCP and the Congress disagreed with CM Uddhav Thackeray regarding imposing such a rule on the citizens of Mumbai.

However, the Mumbai Police, through a soundbite and its Twitter handle, had restricted people from swaying away from the 2-km-radius, except for travelling to workplaces or for medical emergencies. The police since had impounded approximately 34,000 vehicles violating the rules.