Now, Noida SP Crime to probe the ADM, ex-colonel spat

The probe into a spat between an additional district magistrate (ADM) and a retired Army colonel here has been handed over to the superintendent of police (crime), officials said today.

The ADM was suspended by the Uttar Pradesh government on August 24 following the altercation involving the Army veteran over an illegal construction outside his house in Sector 29 of the city.

The illegal construction by the ADM was razed by the Noida Authority on August 29, days after a complaint was lodged by his neighbour Colonel (Retired) Rakesh Pratap Singh Chauhan.

"Now SP (Crime) Ashok Kumar Singh is investigating the case," a police spokesperson said.

The case came to light on August 14 when Chauhan was arrested and jailed for a few days over a complaint by the ADM's wife, who accused the Army veteran of molestation and hurling casteist slurs.

Chauhan, while in jail, had filed a counter-complaint accusing the ADM, his wife, his son and three others of assault and attempt to murder.

The episode witnessed a new twist when a CCTV footage emerged purportedly showing the ADM and his supported assaulting Chauhan, who was later granted bail by the court.

"There were two FIRs registered in the case, one on the complaint of the ADM's side and the other from the retired colonel's side. The former was being probed by the SHO of Police Station Sector 20, while the Circle Officer, City 1st, was handling the latter," according to a police official.

"Now both the matters are being together looked into by the superintendent of police (crime)," the official said.

The development of handing over the probe to the SP Crime comes close on the heels of transfers of former CO, City 1st, Anit Kumar, and Sector 20 SHO Manish Kumar Saxena.

According to officials, Kumar has been transferred to the Police Recruitment Board in Lucknow, while Saxena has been transferred to the Crime Branch, Crime Investigation Department (CBCID) in the state capital.

The ADM, who along with his associates two of whom have been arrested -- has been booked for assault, is on the run, the officials said.