Mumbai: Mumbai Police Commissioner Hasan Gafoor has been removed as Mumbai Police Commissioner and promoted as Director General Housing.
Said Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan: "This is not a damage control measure. Hasan Gafoor was due for a promotion and we have given it to him."
At least that's the spin the Maharashtra government would like to give Hasan Gafoor's removal as Police Commissioner.
His "promotion" as DG Housing comes just days before the Ram Pradhan Committee report is to be tabled in the Assembly.
NDTV broke details of the report last week:
- The report indicts Gafoor for not taking charge on 26/11.
- Instead that he stationed himself outside the Trident and gave instructions from there.
- The report has also said Gafoor went against the standard operating procedure laid down to deal with terror strikes.
"I have not seen the report," says Gafoor. Leader of the Opposition Ramdas Kadam comments: "It's not enough to transfer Gafoor he should be suspended."
Sources tell NDTV that D Sivanandan, currently the Additional D G state intelligence, will replace Gafoor.
The Ram Pradhan report is expected to be tabled in the assembly on Monday and this action on Saturday seems be a face-saving measure for both for Gafoor and the government.