The Hindu : National : R.R. Patil puts the lid on ‘rift' in his department

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National

R.R. Patil puts the lid on ‘rift' in his department

Special Correspondent

R.R. Patil

MUMBAI: Confronted with a rift between senior officials over transfer in his department ahead of the U.S. President Barack Obama's visit here, Maharashtra Home Minister R. R. Patil has put the lid on the issue, saying everyone will work together to maintain peace.

Mr. Patil appealed to the media on Thursday not to make a major issue out of the differences in his department and a recent spat between Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjeev Dayal and Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Chandra Iyengar.

The rift was over transfer of Mumbai police personnel to the Anti-Terrorism Squad headed by Mr. Rakesh Maria to strengthen it as per the Ram Pradhan Committee report, among other things.

Mr. Patil admitted that the ATS was under-staffed. Recruitments would be made over time, he said.

No real war

The Minister said there was no real “war” as being made out to be. It was just a question of two units trying to strengthen their respective forces.

All senior police officers would be present and all officials would work jointly to ensure that things were smooth during Mr. Obama's visit. “Please don't ask me questions on this issue,” he said.

Applies for leave

However, official sources confirmed that Mr. Dayal, upset with some issues, had applied for long leave.

Mr. Patil said he received many applications for leave and it was not such a big deal if people applied for it. He refused to say if he had decided to permit Mr. Dayal to go on leave and, insisted that nothing was wrong.

Ms. Iyengar, meanwhile, will head the committee to discuss Mr. Obama's visit.

She is also in charge of preparing an action plan for Gadchiroli and presenting it before the next Cabinet meeting.

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