PATNA: Seven policemen manning security at Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s official residence in Patna were placed under suspension for allowing entry of a controversial DSP without a prior appointment, officials said on Sunday.
Taking note of a stern complaint lodged by the CM with Amir Subhani, the principal secretary of home department, following the incident, two police inspectors, two sub-inspectors, one havildar and two constables were placed under suspension on Saturday. Among the portfolios with Nitish Kumar are the home and vigilance departments.
“Considering that the CM enjoys Z-plus security cover, the incident that took place at 1, Anne Marg, his official residence, was a major security breach. The decision to suspend the guilty security personnel was taken by the police top brass after a probe,” said an official at the CM’s residence.
Sources said Roop Ranjan Hargave, a DSP posted with the Vigilance Investigation Bureau (VIB) in Patna, was allowed to enter the CM’s official residence on Wednesday even though he had no prior appointment.
Hargave, who earlier faced charges of seeking undue favours from his subordinates during his posting at Bhagalpur, allegedly told the security staff that he was invited by senior officials of the CM’s residence. He also allegedly engaged in a quarrel with the security staff.
Nitish Kumar was, however, not present at his 1, Anne Marg residence at the time. He was unwell and taking rest at his 7, Circular Road residence, said sources.
“IGP (security) Bachchu Singh Meena, who is posted with the special branch that maintains security at the CM’s residence along with the State Security Guards (SSG), conducted a probe into the incident as per the home secretary’s order and found the seven cops guilty,” said the official at the CM’s residence.
Sources said Hargave had entered the 1, Anne Marg residence to personally request Chanchal Kumar, the principal secretary to the CM, to be given a “more suitable posting”.