Guwahati: The IPS (Central) Association has raised questions on the procedures followed during the arrest of a senior police officer in the state for allegedly revealing classified information and demanded that the case be handed over to the CBI.
Assam Police CID SSP N Rajamarthandan was arrested on the intervening night of April 6 and 7 for allegedly revealing classified information.
Earlier he was suspended on April 4 for allegedly revealing crucial investigation information in a reply to an RTI query.
In a letter to Assam Director General of Police, Mukesh Sahay the IPS (Central) Association, secretary PV Rama Sastry, raised serious questions on the procedures followed during the arrest of Rajamarthandan and sought Sahay’s intervention in the case.
“The complainant is a senior IPS officer of the state CID. As a senior officer of the premier investigating agency of the state has taken a position in the matter, principles of natural justice warrant that the investigation may be entrusted to the CBI, which will be in a position to take a dispassionate view,” the letter said.
Assam Director General of Police, Mukesh Sastry also requested the DGP to ensure that a “well- considered and fair” response, but not “mechanical opposition”, is presented when the matter comes before the Court for hearing the bail of the accused.
“The state may consider recommending for the inter- state transfer of the officer until the legal processes against him are not completed or for a minimum period of three years,” Sastry said.
Questioning the entire process, the letter pointed out that Rajamarthandan was arrested within a short time after the offence was registered under the sections of law, for which maximum punishment prescribed is up to seven years.
“The allegations do not indicate corruption, moral turpitude or heinous offence. The circumstances do not indicate that section 41A notice could not have served the purpose.”
The cadre officers shared with us that the accused officer holds a reputation of being honest and hardworking,” Sastry said.
When contacted, Sahay told PTI: “We will respond to it at an appropriate time. Actions were taken strictly as per law and rule.There was no question of prejudice to anyone.”
Asked about the allegations mentioned in the letter, the DGP said, “It is not based on facts”.
On the demand of handing over the case to CBI, he said it is a decision that the state government has to take, not the Assam Police. (PTI)
