Gopal Sharma appointed J&K police chief

The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday appointed Gopal Sharma, the additional director general of police, as DGP.

He will take over from A K Suri, who was appointed transport commissioner.

Dr Ashok Bhan additional director general of police, is the new state intelligence chief replacing Kuldeep Khuda. Additional Director General of Police Madan Lal has been shifted and will head the state security wing.

Farooq Ahmad, deputy inspector general (Kashmir range), has been transferred to Jammu range, while DIG (north Kashmir range) Mohammad Amin Shah will replace Farooq Ahmad.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Ashok Gupta will replace Shah as DIG (north Kashmir range).

Informed sources told rediff.com that Suri was given the marching orders after Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed was buffeted by demands from his Cabinet colleagues for Suri's head.

The DGP had become the target of a group of senior ministers, who wanted him out six months back when the present government took office.

The new DGP is seen as a 'gentleman cop' whose elevation would come handy for Sayeed's 'healing touch' policy.