New DGP to ensure free and fair poll in Punjab

Chandigarh, Jan 22 (UNI) Mr R S Gill, today formally assumed charge as Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) with the committment to ensure a free, fair and neutral assembly election in the state.

''The task of holding a free and fair poll has become all the more challenging as the office of the state DGP was embroiled in a controversy'', he said in an informal chat with mediapersons after the taking over ceremony at his office.

The DGP, a 1973 batch IPS officer made it clear that the state police force would work within the parameters of the law to ensure an incident-free and fair election. Mr Gill indicated that he would undertake a tour of the state after January 26 and will hold meetings with senior district level officers on the election process.

Earlier during the brief taking over ceremony at the DGP's office here, outgoing DGP S S Virk, handed over charge to Mr Gill, wishing the new incubent success. Mr Virk has been posted as DGP-cum-Chairman, Punjab Police Housing Corporation in place of ADGP Anil Kaushik. Mr Kaushik takes the place of Mr Gill as Director of Punjab Police Academy, Phillaur.

The top brass of the state police were present when the new DGP assumed charge. A guard of honour was given both to the outgoing and present DGP.

Later, Mr Gill presided over a high level meeting of senior police officers to review the arrangements made by the state police for the smooth conduct of ensuing Vidhan Sabha elections, In a presentation made to the DGP the police officers informed the DGP that the Punjab Police was fully competent to conduct the assembly polls in a free and fair manner.

Mr Gill's name was cleared by the Election Commission of India (ECI) from a panel of three names sent by the state government.

The ECI had removed Mr Virk following a complaint by the opposition Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) that the DGP had a close equation with Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh and a free and fair poll was not possible under Mr Virk. UNI HS MMS LL VV1909