Odisha DGP Sanjeev Marik slammed for ‘Political’ Remarks

Do your duty as an Officer. Don’t take sides like a politician. Don’t interfere in political matters. It’s none of your business”. was the strong message give by three Union Ministers to Odisha DGP Sanjeev Marik, who triggered a row by criticising centre over fund allocation for police modernisation programmes in the state.

“I heard the recent criticism of Odisha DGP. This is not correct on part of an IPS Officer to give such a statement. They must not forget that they are central government employees”, said Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram and Union Tourism & Culture Minister Dr. Mahesh Sharma too came down heavily on Marik. Jual went a step further, asking whether CM Naveen Patnaik has allowed DGP Marik to make such statements. Ironically, the ruling BJD preferred to be silent, as it is aware of the fact Marik acted beyond his limits.

After attending a meeting presided over by Chief Secretary Gokul Chandra Pati on April 29, Sanjeev Marik slammed the centre, saying its decision of stopping funds worth Rs 127 crore per annum towards police modernisation, will affect the development and reforms within the police force.

The Union Ministers asked the state government to raise the issue with the centre at appropriate forums to resolve all issues and conflict. “It’s job of the political establishment to raise such issue. The DGP has no role to play in it,” they said.