Former Mumbai Police chief Param Bir Singh suspended by Maha govt

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government on Thursday suspended former Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh, citing a series of extortion and corruption cases lodged against him as well as his unauthorised absence from duty for a long period. He is the first serving IPS officer of DG rank in Maharashtra to be suspended on these charges. Along with Singh, the state suspended former Thane deputy commissioner of police Parag Shyam Manere for similar offences. Manere, currently posted as additional superintendent (excise) at Nagpur, was Singh’s trusted aide when the latter was Thane police chief.

Singh’s suspension follows two letters by director general of police Sanjay Pandey. After the letters, the proposal for suspension was processed in the home department and approved by state home minister Dilip Walse Patil a few days ago and submitted for the CM’s approval on Wednesday night. CM Uddhav Thackeray signed it on Thursday.

According to the three-page order signed by joint secretary Venkatesh Bhat, Singh has been suspended with immediate effect in view of cases of extortion and corruption. In addition, an offence under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and Protection of Civil Rights Act too has been registered against him.

During the period of suspension, Singh shall be paid a subsistence allowance, dearness allowance and other allowances. He shall not leave the HQ without the DGP’s permission, the rules state. Any breach of conditions will be liable for disciplinary action.