File FIR against DCP who hit RTI applicant: Ex-CIC Shailesh Gandhi to CM Fadnavis

Days after DNA reported about the information commission stripping a deputy commissioner of police of his powers of hearing first appeal for hitting an RTI applicant, former central information commissioner Shailesh Gandhi has demanded that an FIR be filed against him. He has demanded the same by writing a letter to CM Devendra Fadnavis and chief secretary. 

Sandeep Palve, DCP of traffic (Thane city) had allegedly hit an RTI applicant, Kailash Avhad, several times on the day of first appeal hearing.  Avhad said it also affected his hearing. Taking cognizance of the complaint, Konkan bench information commissioner asked that the DCP be stripped of his first appellate authority and an inquiry be conducted and if found guilty, action be taken against him. 

Gandhi, in a letter to the chief minister and chief secretary, stated that, “There appears to be a systematic attempt to stifle transparency by some public servants. We first learnt about the Municipal Commissioner of Mumbai declaring Praja and its employees ‘persona non grata’ and pompously declaring that he was withdrawing their fundamental right! Now we know of a more bizarre incident of a deputy commissioner of police anger at RTI and its users.”

The chief minister’s office and the chief secretary did not respond to messages from DNA.