Mumbai: Additional Director General
Rakesh Maria today took charge as Maharashtra Anti-Terrorist
Squad chief, replacing K P Raghuvanshi who has taken over as
the head of the state`s Law and Order wing here.
With ATS still groping in dark in the February 13
German Bakery blast probe in Pune, Maria, a 1981-batch IPS
officer, seemed prepared for new challenges.
"I will do my best as the squad`s head," said the
53-year-old new ATS chief when asked what would be his
priority. He, however, did not elaborate.
Sources said he was trying to understand the existing
system and working style of ATS.
The ATS also has the custody of two terror suspects
who were planning to attack ONGC office and shopping centres
in the metropolis.
Facing Centre`s ire over indiscreet revelations about
Pakistani links of two arrested terror suspects, 1980 batch
IPS officer Raghuvanshi (55) was removed from the ATS chief`s
post on March 23.
The Union Home Ministry had come down heavily on
Raghuvanshi for divulging "more than sufficient" information
to the media a few days ago after the arrest of two terror
suspects who, police said, were planning to attack ONGC office
and shopping centres in the metropolis.
The government faced embarrassment after Raghuvanshi
revealed to the media that the two arrested men were receiving
directions from a Pakistani handler, who they referred as
`chacha` (uncle), after which the trail to the man, whose
calls were being intercepted, went cold.
Meanwhile, Rajnish Seth took charge as joint CP (Law
and Order), replacing Himanshu Roy, who became Mumbai Crime
branch chief.
Seth`s priority is to ensure that remaining IPL
matches to be played in Mumbai passed off peacefully.
Roy has several pending cases to probe including the
club owner Zahid Miya alias Chhote Miya`s murder case, J J
shootout in which two persons were killed, Pinge classes
owner`s murder and attempt to murder of social activist Naina
Kathpadia.
PTI
