CHANDIGARH, India: A controversy has arisen between the Akali Ministry and the Director General of Police, J.F. Reberio, over the issue of transferring over half a dozen senior police officers. According to informed sources, the ruling leadership wants the transfer of one Deputy Inspector General of Police from divisional headquarters and six senior S.S.P.s. Among the latter are: Mohammad Azher Alam, and J.P. Virdi, S.S.P.s of strife torn border districts of Amritsar, and Gurdaspur. Robeiro has reportedly resisted the demand and argued that some of these officers particularly the two of border districts are among those who are effectively conducting anti freedom fighters activities and are producing results. He is said to be opposed for the transfer of two other S.S.P.s of two other districts but is not allowed to have his way.
Sources close to the ministry point out that the transfer of district police officers is being sought as some of them are not enjoying good reputation while some of the actions of others are causing embarrassment to the ministry. The issue of transferring a couple of S.S.P.s is going on for some time but Rebeiro is said to have been resisting the pressure. On his rectum from Delhi where Mr. Barnala had talks with the Prime Minister, the ruling Akali leadership reportedly wants changes in the State police set up. As a first step the transfers of a D.I.G. And six S.S.P.s was suggested. The question of transfer of Amritsar S.S.P. is reported to have also figured in the Cabinet’s last meeting.
The police entry in to Series of Golden Temple Complex in search of the freedom fighters and the subsequent statement of S.S.P. on the issue particularly annoyed some of the ministers.
Article extracted from this publication >> January 30, 1987
