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The Mumbai Police Commissioner Arup Patnaik who is facing a big criticism in Raj Thackeray’s protesting rally over softening control on the August 11 violence at Azad Maidan has a direct hit with a transfer called by Maharashtra government today.

Announcing Patnaik’s transfer, the state Home Minister RR Patil said that Patnaik’s shifting was an “administrative move” and senior IPS officer Satyapal Singh will take over the position of new Mumbai Police Commissioner.

Mr. Patnaik has been promoted to Director- General of the Maharashtra State Security Corporation (MSSC).

Talking to media persons, Patil insisted that Mr. Patnaik’s transfer is a promotional shift as he has been promoted as Managing Director of Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC).

Patil refused to accepting that decision took under political pressure, special Thackeray, and defended in front of media, “With festivals and other events requiring high-security due in the coming months, we did not think it wise to delay appointment for this important post.”

Last two days, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and Shiv Sena had slammed government by launching violent protest with demand of Patnaik’s resignation for loose handling of the August 11 violence raised by Muslim groups against in Assam and Myanmar.