Meghalaya government snubs DGP's protest

Shillong, Apr 8 (UNI) The Meghalaya government today termed "irresponsible" and "incorrect" a protest by state Director General of Police BK Dey Sawian over the transfer of his junior officer.

The DGP has proceeded on long leave soon after the coalition Meghalaya Progressive Alliance government transferred Additional DGP in-charge CID Anil Pradhan as Inspector General of Police, in-charge Prison, without following the Police Establishment Board (PEB).

"I don't see anything wrong in Mr Pradhan's transfer. It is incorrect and shows irresponsibility of a senior IPS to protest against the transfer of another police officer when the government has done everything in a legal manner," MPA spokesperson Conrad K Sangma told reporters.

Mr Sangma is also the Finance Minister in the ruling United Democratic Party-led MPA government.

Senior police officials had said the DGP took leave for three weeks from April 2 after the Home Department issued the transfer order of Pradhan without consulting him as per the provisions of the PEB.

According to the PEB, set up as directed by the Supreme Court, the government can not issue transfer order without consulting the Board.

"I was not informed about Mr Pradhan's transfer and nothing was discussed in the PEB," Sawian said.

When asked to clarify in detail, the senior police said, "I can't elaborate further".

However, Sangma said Mr Pradhan was transferred as per government norms. "He has completed his two years in a particular branch and I don't see any problem to it," the spokesperson said.

Asked why the DGP was not consulted, Sangma said, even in the past, no government had consulted the DGP for transfer of any police officer.

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