Home Department orders stopping of Param Bir Singh's salary

Former Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh hasn’t appeared before the investigating agencies and a state-appointed inquiry commission even after several summons. File pic

As the state government has started a legal process to declare former Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh absconding, the Home Department has asked the relevant authorities to stop his salary. This step will expedite the process, as Singh, who is facing serious criminal charges, hasn't appeared before the investigating agencies and a state-appointed inquiry commission even after several summons.

In March this year, Singh was transferred to the Home Guards department as its director general following a controversy related to the Antilia bomb scare case and arrest of former cop Sachin Waze. He later levelled serious allegations against then home minister Anil Deshmukh. Cases pertaining to extortion charges have been filed against Singh in Mumbai, Thane and other cities. Later he proceeded on leave and hasn't resumed duty. "Since he hasn't submitted a medical certificate or any other document seeking leave beyond the period he had applied for, the salary payment can be stopped," said a source.

State-appointed Justice K U Chandiwal Commission has fined Singh for dishonouring its summons to depose. The city police had also summoned the officer to appear for questioning. Last week, Singh's representative told the commission in an affidavit that the officer could not be present because of health issues. The commission has been told that Singh does not want to cross-examine anyone and say anything more than what he had said in a letter to the chief minister.

Singh's disappearance has led many to believe that he has fled the country. Since the power of attorney Singh submitted to the Chandiwal Commission has been executed in Chandigarh, it is also said that he could still be in the country.

Sources said the process to put Singh under suspension has been underway for some time. A proposal to this effect, which also recommended suspension of over 12 senior and junior police officers, has been sent to the Home Department. But the DGP (state) has been asked to revise it with individual details. If accepted in a revised form, it will be an unprecedented mass disciplinary action against senior and mid-level IPS and state service officers.