Kotkhai rape-murder: IG, SP among 7 cops shifted, bandh cripples life
SHIMLA: The Himachal Pradesh government has transferred seven policemen, including an IPS officer who led a controversial probe into the gang rape and murder of a 16-year-old girl, officials said on Thursday.
The transfer of IPS officer Zahur Haidar Zaidi, who led the special investigation team, came after widespread violence over the custodial death of one of the six arrested for the crime.
Meanwhile, Shimla shut down on Thursday in response to a bandh called by the BJP to protest against the alleged failure of the government to properly investigate the rape-murder.
Most shops on Mall Road and Lower Bazaar remained closed in the morning. Shopkeepers said they feared violence as tempers were running high amongst protesters.
BJP workers blocked roads in the Sanjauli and Victory tunnel areas and took out rallies in Theog and other parts of the district.
The shutdown affected the supply of essentials such as bread, milk and vegetables.
Office-goers and schoolchildren had a hard time as their vehicles were stopped at several places, forcing them to go to their destinations on foot.
Zaidi, who was the inspector general (IG) southern range, has been transferred and is now IG (welfare and administration), Shimla police headquarter.
IG (central range) Ajay Kumar Yadav will now hold the additional charge of IG (southern range).
Shimla superintendent of police (SP) DW Negi, a Himachal Pradesh Police Service (HPS) officer and member of SIT, has been transferred and is now SP state vigilance and anti-corruption bureau, Shimla. Sirmour SP Soumya Sambasivan (IPS) has been posted as the new Shimla SP.