Following the massive Political Drama, the Mumbai Police Commissioner Arup Patnaik has been transferred. Dr. Satyapal Singh would be the new Police Commissoner.
Arup Patnaik has been holding this post since March 1, 2011 and was a very respected officer. His role in curbing the Azad Maidan Riots 2012 was exemplary but was criticized by various political outfits
He was targeted especially by MNS and its Founder Raj Thackeray who demanded his resignation.
Police Commissioner brought the situation under control within 30 minutes without resorting to firing guns into the public.
Raj Thackeray had called police action ‘ineffective’ and had demanded the resignation of the Home Minister and the police Commissioner, taking out a huge rally himself
Reacting to the attack on the 42 police personnel, including female cops, some of whom were molested, Patnaik said, “He was saddened by the attack on his team. There is an anguish in my heart. The personnel in the department are my sons and daughters.”
The Congress-led government said it had promoted Patnaik as the Director General of Police in the Maharashtra State Security Corporation.
After relinquishing charge, a smiling Patnaik told the media that he was “happy to be promoted”.
Home Minister R.R. Patil said Patnaik’s promotion had been pending since July and this was finally cleared Aug 16.
Patnaik’s admirers felt that he had been shown the door for cracking down on beer bars and late night parties.
Patnaik had vocally backed Assistant Commissioner of Police Vasant Dhoble, who mercilessly cracked the whip on illegal liquor joints as well as noisy parties.
Some of these bars were apparently linked to powerful politicians who had been eager to see the back of Patnaik.
The Aug 11 Azad Maidan rally in Mumbai which turned violent leading to the death of two men and injuries to several policemen proved to be the proverbial last straw.
A Former IPS Officer B Raman had praised Patnaik’s effort in controlling the mob during August 21 riots and preventing further damages.
Patnaik deserves credit for bringing the situation quickly under control and for preventing over-reaction by his force in the face of the rampaging mobs, says Raman.