Even as retirement of Uttarakhand director general of police (DGP) is due in August 2013, speculation is rife over appointment of new police chief. From junior officials to police constables, all keenly discuss who will be the next DGP. At present, it is the most discussed topic in corridor of police department.
The discussion turns interesting with participants giving interesting logic to prove their stand. A group of officials has ‘announced’ that anointment of senior IPS officer BS Sidhu,
presently holding position of director general of police (rules and manual), as DGP is definite. The group substantiates its point with solid logic, ranging from Siddhu’s very good contacts in power corridor of Delhi to his seniority in the cadre.
If this group, who wants to see Sidhu as DGP, is to be believed, Sidhu is running ahead with others due to his seniority. The group also claimed that the good contacts of Siddhu in power corridors of Uttarakhand will be proved as blessings in disguise in his appointment on the position.
With prospects of his appointment as DGP strengthening, his supporters’ lot is growing fast.
On condition of anonymity a junior officer ascertained that number of visitors to the senior officer witnessed a sudden rise. It is being seen as an exercise, on part of the visitors, to show their allegiance to the senior officer keeping in view future prospects. Visitors’ lot includes mostly junior police officers and some inspectors.
Opponent group claimed contrarily. It predicts bleak chances of Sidhu’s appointment as DGP because in past several senior officers were denied when their name appeared in any controversy. The group tries to prove its claim by referring to recent controversial land deal which will be a big hurdle on elevation of Sidhu to the top police post. Interestingly, from junior officers to police personnel-all have their own predictions.
When contacted, Sidhu denied making comment over prospects of his appointment on coveted position of the state police chief. Asked if land deal controversy would be a hurdle on his way to become the DGP, he clarified that he was nowhere at fault in controversial land deal on old Mussoorie road.
He had purchased land after complying with due formalities relating to forest and revenue department. In spite of that he had moved an application that if the land he purchased is discovered to be reserve forest land, his registration for the same may be cancelled.
An officer remarked that the speculation about the matter will continue for the next three months and will set at rest only after announcement by the Government.