Naqvi, barely a fortnight ago, sought premature retirement for ``personal reasons'' and Vayu Bhavan sources said the same personal reason has been cited in the application for withdrawal too. In his first application, Naqvi had sought release as early as September 30.

Speaking to The Indian Express today Air Marshal Naqvi said: ``The Government of India, Ministry of Defence and the Air Force have been extremely kind to me. I have very serious personal problems which were compelling me to put in my papers but now I have got tremendous support and backing from my force.''

Air Marshal Naqvi said his wife was not keeping well and was in hospital. He said that he had to be with her. ``I also have property worth Rs 1.5 crore locked in a dispute and have to fight to clear it. Myseeking premature retirement was purely on these grounds. But the Air Force is adjusting me here and I am most grateful to them for this,'' he said.

The former Deputy Chief of Air Staff had put in his papers on the completion of his tenure in Air Headquarters and was being considered for a transfer as a Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO). He has almost two years before he retires in the normal course. Soon after he put in his papers for premature release, it was felt that he had done so because the post of SASO was a rung lower than that of DCAS.

Vayu Bhavan sources said a decision would be taken on where to accommodate Naqvi. ``That of course will happen when the decision on his application is by the Defence Ministry communicated to the IAF. Air Marshal S.G. Inamdar has already been appointed as the DCAS in place of Naqvi,'' said an official.