Muslim police officer to sue Scotland Yard chief for racial discrimination

London, June 26 : Britain's highest profile Muslim police officer is preparing to sue Metropolitan Police chief Sir Ian Blair for racial discrimination.

Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur will seek compensation at an employment tribunal amid claims that he has been sidelined.

He is said to be upset that he has been excluded from key meetings about the London Olympics in 2012, despite his role in charge of security planning.

The Telegraph quoted a senior source as saying that the relations between Sir Ian and Ghaffur have become so bad that they will not speak to each other.

Ghaffur, one of Sir Ian's most senior colleagues and formerly a close ally, has drawn up legal documents claiming he has been humiliated, undermined and subjugated by the Metropolitan Police.

He is understood to allege that he was silenced over his concerns about the 42-day detention debate and sidelined by Sir Ian in key decisions.

One senior colleague said relations between the two have become so bad that they will not speak to each other - an accusation denied by Sir Ian.

Insiders said Ghaffur had already been left 'hurt and humiliated' when, following a bitter row with Sir Ian two years ago, he was moved to a less prestigious job.

The dramatic developments have sent shock waves through Scotland Yard and amongst senior officers nationwide.

The past few years of Sir Ian's reign as Commissioner have been beset with infighting amongst senior officers. But one source said there was now "open warfare" at the top ranks of Scotland Yard.

The embattled Commissioner was separately accused earlier this week of sidelining black and Asian detectives to surround himself with a "golden circle" of handpicked favourites.

Commander Shabir Hussain told an employment tribunal he was effectively victimised because Sir Ian used his "very significant influence" to earmark his chosen officers for promotion at the cost of other candidates.

ANI