Cops' removal from Advani security was procedural: ADGP

Kozhikode, Oct 14 (UNI) A top police offcer, probing the controversy relating to removal of two cops from security duty of senior BJP leader L K Advani during his visit to the city, today said the action was procedural.

Talking to reporters after holding detailed discussions with City Police Commissioner Anoop Kuruvila John and Asst Commissioner C M Pradeep Kumar, incharge of security in the city on Oct 14, Additional Director General of Police K S Jhangpangi told reporters that ''the removal was procedural.'' Stating that there was no malafide intention in the action, he said hundreds of policemen were detailed for the security job and some of them were excluded from duty as their services were not required.

A controversy was created following removal of two Muslim police drivers from security provided to the VIP with some organisations, including the Indian Union Muslim League, demanding a high-level probe into the incident.

Mr Jhangpangi, who was scheduled to submit his report to the State Director General of Police this evening, said the authorities would ascertain how a report regarding security arrangement had appeared in a section of the press without confirmation from the concerned authorities.

However, giving a clean chit to the Commissioner, the role of Mr Pradeep Kumar, who had ordered the removal without consent from higher ups, would be inquired further, a top officer preferring anonymity said.

Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha and Muslim Youth League also demanded further investigation into the case.

BJYM State President K Surendran told reporters here that a through investigation should be ordedred into the controversy regarding removal of the officials from the duty assigned to Mr Advani.

Stating that the controversy was created out of proportion aimed at tarnishing the image of Mr Advani, he said the morcha suspected some ''foul play'' in mishandling the leader's travel arrangement also during the visit.

The chopper, carrying Mr Advani, who was scheduled to attend an award function here, was landed at Karippur airport instead of Vikram Maidan in the city.

UNI PCH SK1805