IPS officer who took on Gujarat Govt in 2002 riots probe seeks retirement

Ahmedabad, Nov 21: IPS officer Rahul Sharma, who had openly taken on Gujarat government over the 2002 Godhra riots, has sought early retirement citing personal reasons.

"I have sought retirement from my services due to personal reasons and have given a three months' notice to the state government on November 19," Sharma, who is currently posted as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Armed Units at Vadodara, told PTI.

An IPS officer, as per rules can seek early retirement after the age of 50 by giving notice of three months. Sharma had crossed 50 recently. Its now upto the state government to accept his request.

In reply to a question on whether he has resigned due to the state government's alleged revengeful action against him due to his deposition before the riot probe panel, Sharma said, "I do not see state's action in that way. I have many other opportunities also. I can be employed in a better way." "I am not taking it (state's action) in negative way. It does not make any difference to me of what state government has been doing. My decision has not been inspired with state government's action," Sharma added.

After the death of his wife recently, Sharma had also sought transfer either to Gandhinagar or Ahmedabad but that was denied by the state government. When asked about this, he said, "Yes I sought transfer, but it was not given."

Sharma had submitted a CD carrying call data records of the important state functionaries and leaders of right-wing groups like Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad, which also described the movements of those leaders during the violence, before Justice Nanavati Commission.

The call records were compiled by Sharma during the investigation of Naroda Patiya, Naroda Gam and Gulbarg Society riots case. He had compiled the details in a CD and submitted it to the commission.

In 2011, the state government had chargesheeted Sharma stating that he had deliberately not submitted the CD of call record details of 2002 riots to investigating authorities who were probing the riots and instead he later gave it to the riots panel headed by retired Supreme Court Justice G T Nanavati.

PTI