Protests continue against IPS officer's transfer

Large-scale protests continued in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer district for the second consecutive day Monday to protest the transfer of IPS officer Pankaj Chaudhary for allegedly taking on a legislator of the ruling Congress.

A day after traders observed a shutdown of markets in Jaisalmer town, residents in nearby town Sankada kept the commercial establishments closed following Jaisalmer Superintendent of Police Chaudhary's transfer.

Choudhary was transferred from Jaisalmer - 600 km from Jaipur - Friday and shunted out to a non-field posting as commandant in the Police Training School in Kishangarh.

Amid a nationwide outcry over the suspension of IAS officer Durga Shakti Nagpal in Uttar Pradesh, some local organisations alleged that Chaudhary was transferred under pressure from Saleh Mohammed, Congress legislator of Pokhran constituency in Jaisalmer.

Chaudhary had reopened the history sheet of Gazi Fakir, the legislator's father, sources said.

"A history sheet was opened against Gazi Fakir in 1965 when several cases of smuggling and anti-social activities were registered against him. But the history sheet was closed in 2011 by the then acting SP. Chaudhary reopened the history sheet, which resulted in his transfer," said a police officer on the condition of anonymity.

Chaudhary told mediapersons Monday that he had reopened the history sheet against Gazi Fakir as per a directive of the state government.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot refuted the allegations saying that Chaudhary's transfer had nothing to do with the reopening of the history sheet.

"Chaudhary was one among the 49 IPS officers who were transferred Friday. It was routine transfer and administrative decision," said Gehlot.