The Hindu : National : STF merged with U.P law and order wing

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Sunday, Nov 25, 2007
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STF merged with U.P law and order wing

Special Correspondent

LUCKNOW: Within 24 hours of the terror attacks at three different places in the State, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati merged the Special Task Force with the Law and Order wing of the UP Police.

The decision was taken at a meeting the Chief Minister had at her residence with top State officials on Friday night and on Saturday morning.

Informed sources said that following the spurt in terrorist activities, it was felt that the separate existence of the STF would create operational problems for the police. The STF had functioned as a unit of the Law and Order wing since its inception in the late 1990s. It started functioning as a separate unit from 2000.

Following the merger, the post of ADG, STF, was abolished with the ADG, Law and Order, Brij Lal, doubling up as ADG, STF.

Sources said the present move came in the wake of the recent goof-up by the STF and police officials who allowed TV channel reporters to conduct an interview with Mohd. Abid, leader of the three Jaish militants arrested in Lucknow on November 16.

In the interview shown live on the channels, the ultra claimed that they were on a mission to abduct Congress MP Rahul Gandhi.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs raised a strong objection with the U.P. government to mediapersons being permitted to meet a high-security prisoner.

Later, DGP Vikram Singh slammed the police for the faux pas and hinted that some officials might be suspended.

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