Deadlock ends as Thakur announces CID probe

Bhanu P Lohumi

Tribune News Service

Shimla, August 21

The deadlock over police action against personal security officer (PSO) and driver of Congress MLA from Una Satpal Raizada ended today following announcement by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur that an impartial probe would be conducted by CID.

Making a suo motu statement in the house, the Chief Minister rejected the demand for transfer of the SP and said that he was going for training to Hyderabad from August 28 and as such his indulgence in the probe was ruled out.

Asserting that the government was determined to take action against mafias, he asked the Opposition to rise over party considerations and put up a united fight against drugs, mining and other mafias.

The probe conducted by CID (crime branch) would be held under supervision of an officer of rank of Inspector General (IG), he said adding that the government was not vindictive and keen to book culprits to the book.

The Opposition Congress had made the incident a major issue and was adamant on transfer of the SP. The party had also staged a walkout for two consecutive days on August 19 and 20.

All attempts by the Chief Minister to reason with the Opposition failed to bring any positive results but the matter was resolved after the Chief Minister made the statement immediately after the house assembled.

Leader of the Opposition Mukesh Agnihotri said the Chief Minister has ordered an enquiry into the incident but the matter pertained to SP, Una who should be asked to proceed on leave.

He said that the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) is against mafias and the government is free to take any action it deemed proper against the mafias but Chief Minister should refrain from linking the Opposition with mafias.