Sanjeev Bhatt, a 1988-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, who locked horns with the Gujarat government, has been sacked after being suspended since 2011.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, in its order dated August 13, said Bhatt's services have been terminated by the Central government, in exercise of the powers conferred under Rule 7(2) of the All India Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969.
"The competent authority has also observed that all the 11 charges framed against Shri Sanjiv Bhatt, IPS, stand proved. Shri Sanjiv Bhatt, inspite of several opportunities provided to him, did not avail any of them to prove his innocence. Shri Sanjiv Bhatt had remained defiant and flagrantly flouted the rules with complete disregard to discipline which should otherwise have been the hallmark of an officer of a uniformed force," the order read.
Bhatt later tweeted: "Finally removed from service today after serving 27 years in the Indian Police Service. Once again eligible for employment. (smile emoticon) Any takers?"
A DIG-rank officer, Bhatt had been suspended by the state government for his “unauthorised absence” from his posting in Junagadh.
He had been on the wrong side of the establishment in the state for long.
He was arrested by the state police in 2011 on the basis of a criminal complaint filed by his junior K D Panth, whom he had mentioned in his affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, alleging that he was present in the meeting at the residence of the then chief minister Narendra Modi on the evening of February 27, 2002, Modi had allegedly asked the senior policemen to “allow the Hindus vent their ire” on the Muslims in the wake of Sabarmati Express carnage at Godhra that saw killing of karsevaks. He was released on bail later.
His claims were also rejected by the Special Investigation Team appointed by the apex court to probe nine riot-related cases.
Bhatt had also unsuccessfully contested the assembly election against Modi in 2012.
Earlier this week, Bhatt was issued a notice in a case of purported 11-minute sex video that allegedly figured him.
Bhatt, on his part, maintained that it was not him in the video and that he was willing to undergo any tests in this regards.
In its notice, the government sought an explanation from him about his "illicit relationship". The notice also said such conduct was unbecoming of an IPS officer and was in breach of service rules.
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