Maharashtra ATS chief dismissed

MUMBAI: The state government on Thursday sacked Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad chief K.P. Raghuvanshi and appointed Rakesh Maria, presently holding the post of joint commissioner (crime) in Mumbai police, as the new ATS chief. Home Minister R.R. Patil had told lawmakers on Tuesday that action would be taken against Raghuvanshi if allegations that he was making statements against Hindu outfits proved correct.Himanshu Rai would replace Maria and would be the new joint commissioner of police (crime). Rai is a confidant of Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal. According to senior police officials, Rai was earlier the city police commissioner in Nashik district. Ten years ago, when Bhujbal was holding the post of home minister, Rai, who was then deputy commissioner of police, had arrested Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray on Bhujbal's instructions.Presently Rai is joint commissioner (law and order) in the Mumbai police. He will be replaced by another senior IPS officer Rajneesh Seth.Police sources told Arab News that the disclosure of information by the ATS about a Pakistani handler of two alleged Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists cost Raghuvanshi his job. The ATS chief said the militants were allegedly plotting to blow up BARC plant and ONGC oil and gas tanks in Mumbai. Raghuvanshi had told the media that the Pakistani handler Chacha (uncle) was involved in the plot.Raghuvanshi had also told the media that the two arrested alleged terrorists were in constant touch with their Pakistani handler. The federal home ministry objected to the disclosure of information by Raghuvanshi. The ministry informed the Maharashtra government that after Raghuvanshi revealed the information Chacha absconded from Karachi. The ministry also recommended stern action against Raghuvanshi.
By SHAHID RAZA BURNEY | ARAB NEWS Mar 25, 2010 20:01