Former Punjab DGP S S Virk takes over as Maharashtra DGP

Senior IPS officer S S Virk today took charge of the post of DGP (Director General of Police). While addressing the media Virk said, "My first priority is to fight terrorism."

He highlighted that security arrangements post the 26/11 terror attacks in the city have been upgraded. "Moreover, we are well equipped and capable to provide for security for the IPL matches," Virk added.

Virk has criminal cases pending against him in Punjab, where he was posted as DGP, and was arrested by the State vigilance bureau last year in one of the cases. The Punjab government recently wrote to Maharashtra, citing his criminal record and mentioning his ouster from the top police post.However, Home Minister Jayant Patil, said that Virk was cleared in most of the cases.

In another crucial move, the Maharashtra government has given the charge of law and order and election-related security to Additional DGP P P Srivastav. "For the time being, he (Srivastav) has been given the charge of election duty, but we will have to consult with the Election Commission," Patil said.

With Virk set to retire on July 31 this year, it isn't clear whether he would continue as the DGP. The Supreme Court, in the Prakash Singh Case, had directed the state governments to continue with the DGP for minimum three years, no matter his age of retirement. The appeal made by state governments is still pending before the SC.

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