KP Raghuvanshi removed as Maharashtra ATS chief; Rakesh Maria to take over

Mumbai: Additional director general KP Raghuvanshi was today removed as the head of Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), days after he was criticised by the Centre for disclosing some information following the arrest of two suspected terrorists in Mumbai.

He will be replaced by joint commissioner of police (crime) Rakesh Maria, a home department source said.

"Raghuvanshi has been relieved of the responsibilities of the ATS chief. Joint police commissioner Maria will take over," the source said.

Raghuvanshi has been transferred as additional director general (law and order).

Maria met home minister RR Patil after the reshuffle.

The Union home ministry had come down heavily on Raghuvanshi for disclosing "more than sufficient" information to the media after the arrest a few days ago of two terror suspects who, police said, were planning to attack ONGC office and shopping centres in the metropolis.

Joint police commissioner (law and order) Himanshu Roy is likely to replace Maria.