Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday appointed Alok Kumar as new Inspector General of Police, Traffic, replacing Basant Rath.
“Alok Kumar, IPS (JK-1997), IGP Security, J&K is transferred and posted as IGP, Traffic, J&K vice Basant Kumar Rath. Basant Kumar Rath, IPS (JK-2000), IGP Traffic J&K is transferred and attached in the office of Commandant General Home Guards/Civil Defence/SDRF till further orders,” read an order issued today.
Social media was abuzz yesterday with rumours of Rath’s transfer.
Last week, Rath had made headlines after he hit at newly elected Srinagar Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu on Twitter, telling him traffic management was not his domain.
“Those talking Good Governance & Accountability have reportedly removed IGP traffic Basant Rath,” MLA Langate Engineer Rasheed wrote on Facebook after the rumours of his transfer started doing rounds yesterday.
“He has been victimised for being honest, secular & dedicated. Those who took to streets against him in Jammu have achieved nothing except exposing BJP’s vote bank politics & narrow thinking.”