Other than the “outstanding” annual confidential reports (ACRs) of Sumedh Singh Saini, it was the “emerging volatile” situation in Punjab — owing to orders being issued to execute the death warrant against Beant Singh’s assassin Balwant Singh Rajoana in March — which compelled the state government to immediately appoint Saini as the DGP.
So much so that the government showed scant faith in its then DGP Anil Kaushik. An official confidential noting of the government, dated March 13, reads: “The threat to law and order in wake of the warrants of execution is imminent. The current DGP may not be able to control the situation. On this count, Saini has a reputation of effectiveness and a no-nonsense approach.”
The official record and notings were produced by the Punjab government before the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday. This was done as per high court’s directions, which on the last date of hearing, had called for records to peruse whether other officers were considered at the time of appointment of Saini as the DGP.
The court had issued the direction while pursuing a petition filed by an NGO, Voices for Freedom, demanding Saini’s removal from the post of DGP. The NGO had alleged that the selection committee was not apprised of the fact that Saini stands chargesheeted in a case of abduction with intention to murder.
Defending Saini’s appointment, the government on Tuesday produced official records to prove that not once, but thrice, Saini’s case was brought to the notice of the screening committee and political bosses.
At the time of Saini’s promotion to the post of ADGP and then at the time of his appointment as DGP, chargesheets against Saini were brought to the notice of the screening committee, it added.
Also, legal opinion was sought from the office of Punjab Advocate General, which suggested that there is no bar in appointing Saini as the DGP. “The screening committee considered him fit for promotion to the rank of additional director general of police and then to the post of DGP, Punjab,” reads the reply filed by D S Bains, Principal Secretary (Home).
The government has also annexed ACRs of all officers who were considered at that time for the post of DGP. Only Saini had all outstanding ACRs, it added. “Saini has unimpeachable integrity, vast experience and outstanding record. As was discussed, the new government desires to give a thrust on priority areas for long term continuity. Following issues were identified: officer should have impeccable integrity, corruption be eradicated and a people friendly police force be raised and an effective anti-drug campaign be run,” stated the government’s reply and noting at the time of his appointment.
It added: “It was noted that warrants for execution of Rajoana for March 31 have been issued. This may lead to prolonged agitations. The threat of polarisation on communal lines is not ruled out. It may need long term attention. The gist of ACRs of officers in the consideration zone was examined. This includes the current four DGP rank officers and the four other officers of the 1982 batch who have been approved for promotion to the rank of DGP. Sumedh Singh Saini has earned all outstanding ACRs whereas others have secured may good and very good ACRs during their careers.” At the time of Saini’s promotion to the post of ADGP and then at the time of his appointment as DGP, chargesheets against Saini were brought to the notice of the screening committee, it added.
Also, legal opinion was sought from the office of Punjab Advocate General, which suggested that there is no bar in appointing Saini as the DGP. “The screening committee considered him fit for promotion to the rank of additional director general of police and then to the post of DGP, Punjab,” reads the reply filed by D S Bains, Principal Secretary (Home).
The government has also annexed ACRs of all officers who were considered at that time for the post of DGP. Only Saini had all outstanding ACRs, it added. “Saini has unimpeachable integrity, vast experience and outstanding record. As was discussed, the new government desires to give a thrust on priority areas for long term continuity. Following issues were identified: officer should have impeccable integrity, corruption be eradicated and a people friendly police force be raised and an effective anti-drug campaign be run,” stated the government’s reply and noting at the time of his appointment.
It added: “It was noted that warrants for execution of Rajoana for March 31 have been issued. This may lead to prolonged agitations. The threat of polarisation on communal lines is not ruled out. It may need long term attention. The gist of ACRs of officers in the consideration zone was examined. This includes the current four DGP rank officers and the four other officers of the 1982 batch who have been approved for promotion to the rank of DGP. Sumedh Singh Saini has earned all outstanding ACRs whereas others have secured may good and very good ACRs during their careers.”
