In what seems to be either a clerical oversight or a handiwork of some disgruntled elements within the Chhattisgarh police, a DIG posted in a Naxalite-affected area received a fake directive issued in the name of state Director General of Police.

According to sources, the letter asked DIG (Kanker) Pawan Deo to change his present camp at the sensitive Kanker district headquarters in north Bastar to Naxalite-infested Narayanpur district. The letter was sent through the official channel, through a messenger and also had an official number (PHQ/Raipur/Admn/Personal Asst./D1011/07).

However, the letter was dated December 28, 2007.

The breach of official channel has sent alarm bells ringing among senior officers posted in the police headquarters who believe that a proper inquiry should be conducted into the incident. Sources said that as Chhattisgarh was engaged in a battle against Naxalite extremists, such breach in official communication of the police could be detrimental in the long run. “Such a breach in internal communication should be inquired upon with all seriousness as it casts a shadow over the credibility of all official directives,” they said. If such activities are not plugged immediately, there is a possibility that each and every directive, received from the headquarters, is checked by officers posted in various districts for its authenticity, they pointed out.

The letter directs DIG Pawan Deo, who is looking after Naxalite operations in the Kanker and Narayanpur districts to camp at Narayanpur for three weeks each month. He was also directed to stay at Kanker for one week every month, during which he was expected to conduct anti-Maoist operations in the district.

... contd.