With the Election Commission announcing the dates of general elections, the state machinery has geared up and affecting transfers of senior police officials in Maharashtra. However, with code of conduct in place, the state government will have to seek the permission of Election Commission before taking a final decision on the same.

Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Ramrao Wagh is one of the senior officials whose transfer is on cards. Wagh took the charge as city police commissioner in August 2006 succeeding Vijay Kamble.

Commenting on the issue, Wagh said, "I have not got any transfer orders yet. It all depends on the Election Commission. As of now, nothing can be predicted."

"There are talks that the Commission has decided to transfer all the cops who have served at a same place for more than three years or those who are serving at their home town. Though we haven't yet got any official letter, we are expecting the same," a police officer said on condition of anonymity adding, "It will be difficult for us to settle down some where else but there is nothing in our hands, we cannot stop the transfer."

With the setting up of an ACB unit in Navi Mumbai, few have hopes to be assigned over there which will help them to be attached to Navi Mumbai. "An ACB unit has been started in Navi Mumbai and they are still assigning policemen. Some of them are hoping to get transferred there so that their families will not be affected," another police official said.

Raina Assainar/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication