Rath attached to CG Home Guards on complaint, Alok Kumar new IGP Traffic

JAMMU: The Monday’s rumors of transfer of Basant Rath, IGP, Traffic, especially on social media, turned into reality today with the government ordering transfer and attachment of Rath to the office of the Commandant General, Home Guards/Civil Defense/SDRF till further orders.

The Government, however, posted Alok Kumar, IGP Security, as IGP Traffic, J&K.

Basant Rath’s transfer and attachment was made effective four days after verbal spat with the Srinagar’s newly elected Mayor, Junaid Mattoo over a traffic related issue.

Reports said that there were numerous complaints started pouring against the Dabang police officer-Basant Rath regarding his misbehavior and vulgar language.

Following the complaints, the top cop of the JKP had also sought his reply in written. The fresh controversy started between Basant Rath and SMC Mayor Junaid Mattoo when latter sought a review of current traffic diversions and plans. Rath confronted him, tweeting back that traffic was “not your domain”. “Traffic diversion at Jehangir Chowk is a compulsion. The vendors have created a mess … SMC needs to clear the mess,” Rath further added on twitter.

Meanwhile, official sources said that Matto, whose candidature for the Mayor’s post was supported by former Minister, Sajjad Ahmed Lone's party “People's Conference”, had urged upon Lone to take up the matter with higher authorities. Lone, official sources said, lodged resentment with Governor, Satya Pal Malik urging him to get Rath transferred.

Sajjad Lone, however, refused any such move on his part. “I am a small man, how can I get IGP Traffic transferred,” Lone replied when contacted by The News Now.