Suspended Gujarat IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt sacked

Thakur, an IPS officer of the Uttar Pradesh Cadre, in a letter sent to the Gujarat Home Secretary PK Taneja on Tuesday stated, “It seems the privacy of Bhatt has been pierced into and publicly divulged which does not seem appropriate, legally and ethically”.

When asked if he will challenge his sacking, Bhatt said he did not want to impose himself on the government.

The Gujarat government sought an explanation from him about his alleged illicit relationship. “Bhatt, in spite of various opportunities provided to him, did not avail any of them to prove his innocence”. The notice also said such conduct was unbecoming of an Indian Police Service officer and was in breach of service rules. “Once again eligible for employment. smile emoticon Any takers?”

Confirming that he has been sacked from the service, Bhatt said, “Yes, it is true that my services have been terminated”.

Bhatt has been under suspension since 2011 after he took on the then Modi government over the 2002 Gujarat riots on charges of remaining absent from duty without permission and misuse of official vehicles.

But in his defense, the former officer claimed there is a reason why he could not be mostly present in his work as his mother is ill and he needs to take care of her. Also his presence was required in Nanavati Commission and was involved in investigating the 2002 riots case. In fact, I have enjoyed every moment of the last 27 years in the IPS.

I pray to God that he may continue to kindle and stoke the passion and fire that has possessed me all these years. “I told them that the person in the video is not me, but someone who bears a general resemblance to me”, said Bhatt. “May He continue to lead me in my just pursuits”, he said.

Bhatt shot to fame after he had filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in connection with the 2002 Gujarat riots. “The Government of the day has decided to remove me from service after conduction a sham, ex-parte inquiry on completely fabricated charges of “unauthorised absence from duty”, he said in a Facebook post. “I cannot impose myself on the government”.