Setting all speculations at rest, Director-General of Police (DGP) Sanjeev Marik has cancelled his 10-day leave that had already been sanctioned by the Home Department. "I had applied for leave due to personal and family works. But I had to cancel the leave as I have to discharge several pending official works," Marik told the media on Monday.
The Home Department had sanctioned Marik's leave from June 7 to 17 and appointed Crime Branch ADG Bijay Kumar Sharma as the acting DGP in his absence as per rules. Marik also said that he might attend a high-level meeting of the Home Department on June 11. It may be recalled that Marik had earlier taken a five-day leave from May 13 to appear at law examinations. However, he joined his duty two days before the expiry of his leave after the news was flashed in the media.
Meanwhile, the reported ongoing tussle between DGP Marik and Twin City Commissioner of Police RP Sharma has become a matter of animated discussion in various circles. Sources said the State Police Headquarters, without the knowledge of the Commissioner of Police, has issued show-cause notices to the IICs of the Capital and Jatni police stations, both of which come under the jurisdiction of the Commissionerate Police, to reply within 15 days why they were not listening to the grievances of the people. However, there is still no response from CM Naveen Patnaik about the police department affairs though he also doubles up as the Home Minister.