Bengal cops switch sides as tides turn

Two of them,both inspector generals in the state police,are already set to leave the state for a central deputation in the railway ministry. The names of R J S Nalwa,currently IG (Telecom),and Sibaji Ghosh,IG (Armed Police),have already been cleared by the railway ministry and the Union home ministry. The Railway Board already has two retired IPS officers,both now Trinamool leaders,as its members.

“Nalwa will join as IG (RPF) in Eastern Railway,while Shibaji Ghosh will join as IG (RPF) for South Eastern Railway,” said a senior Trinamool Congress leader,who is also a Railway Board member.

According to sources,both IPS officers wrote to the state government for an option to go for Central deputation. The two are said to have lobbied through a retired IPS officer,now a Trinamool leader who is a Railway Board member and is also on the number of committees in the railways.

“Months ago,I wrote to the state government saying I wanted to go for a Central deputation. I asked for this option because a stint at the Centre is a must for us. I am not aware of what happened thereafter,” said Nalwa.

The fate of another senior IPS officer,Nazrul Islam,ADG (traffic) hangs in the balance. Islam,who was slated to become executive director (security) of the railways,has run into minor complications. Since he is ADG,he will have to accept a demotion since the railway post is of the IG rank.