Sharad Pawar concerned over cops 'lobbying' for transfer

Mumbai: NCP chief Sharad Pawar today expressed concern over senior police officers "lobbying" for departmental transfers.

Speaking after launching a book penned by retired Assistant Commissioner of Police Isaque Bagwan, Pawar recalled an SMS from a senior IPS officer to a Member of Parliament that he did not expect anything in the Congress-NCP rule.

"The (concerned) officer was unhappy about not getting posting of his choice. Senior police officers are taking interest and are lobbying for department transfers. This is not a good sign and cause of concern," he said.

Pawar said he has served as the Maharashtra's Home Minister for five times and was extremely proud of the Mumbai Police.

"Officers' conduct should be such that they don't tarnish the reputation of the department", he added.

The book of Bagwan, who is credited with killing dreaded gangster Manya Surve in the 1980s, is based on his experiences in the Mumbai Police.

The former Union minister said despite Bagwan hailing from his home-turf Baramati, the officer never approached him for favourable posting.

"When I was Leader of Opposition in 1978,a minister complained that Bagwan had arrested an accused in smuggling case from his official bungalow. I told the minister that instead of complaining you should felicitate the officer for exposing criminals moving around as party activists," Pawar said.

"Bagwan's book should be introduced in the curriculum of Nagpur Training College. Officers like Bagwan and Madhukar Zende who famously nabbed Charles Sobhraj in Goa have brought laurels to Mumbai Police."