Ex-Mumbai police chief joins BJD

Former Mumbai Police Commissioner Arup Patnaik began his innings in politics by joining the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in the presence of party supremo and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the Naveen Niwas here on Wednesday.

“Arup Patnaik will prove to be a valuable asset for the party,” said CM Patnaik.

“I joined the party as a worker and will give my best to perform the best any work I am assigned by the party. I thank CM Naveen Patnaik for providing me an opportunity to work for the people of my land,” said Arup.

He said that through politics he would get an opportunity to work for the people again. “It’s the beginning of a new chapter of my life,” he said.

When asked about contesting in the 2019 general elections, he said, “I have not yet thought about it.”

A 1979-batch IPS officer Arup as the 36th Police Commissioner of Mumbai was well-known for his tough and efficient policing. After 36 years in service, he retired on September 30, 2015.

He has received the President’s Police Medal for his distinguished service in 2003. He is also a recipient of Indian Police Medal for meritorious service in 1994.

Besides, Arup Patnaik was the first and only Odia to hold the post of Police Commissioner of Mumbai.