GUWAHATI: The Nagaland government’s move to remove Director General of Police Rupin Sharma, who played a key role in the arrest of gangster Abu Salem in Portugal, has triggered a storm in the state.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and his deputy Y Patton have separately written to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh seeking the removal of Sharma, a 1992 batch IPS officer of Nagaland cadre who is known for his uncompromising stand against corruption and corrupt activities.
Among factors, the government highlighted was his ‘limited experience’ in serving in the Northeast state.
Rio requested an officer of ‘suitable seniority’ from other cadre be considered for the post.
In this regard, he recommended the name of Lungriading, who is an IPS officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre. Patton, who also holds the Home portfolio, too recommended Lungriading.
But Sharma is said to have served the Nagaland Police in various capacities, starting from sub-divisional police officer to DG (prisons) before his appointment as the DGP. As per the MHA’s latest policy, an officer can serve in a state on deputation only once. Lungriading served in Nagaland between 2011 and 2016.
Meanwhile, Sharma told Express that he would continue to discharge his duties as enshrined in the Constitution with no prejudice or favour to anyone.