Durga Shakti Nagpal case: ‘Govt decision welcome but late’

Residents of Greater Noida on Sunday welcomed Uttar Pradesh government’s decision to revoke the suspension of 2010 batch Indian Administrative Officer (IAS) Durga Shakti Nagpal. Vinod Rajput reports.

Residents of Greater Noida on Sunday welcomed Uttar Pradesh government’s decision to revoke the suspension of 2010 batch Indian Administrative Officer (IAS) Durga Shakti Nagpal.

The Greater Noida Sadar area sub-divisional-magistrate had been suspended for ordering the demolition of an under-construction wall of a mosque. The mosque was apparently being built on a government land in Greater Noida’s Kadalpur area without requisite permissions.

“The UP government has taken the right decision but a little late. Nagpal was only discharging her official duties. The administration should have appreciated her action i,” said Dushyant Nagar, a farmer leader of Kisan Sangharsh Samiti group in Greater Noida.

Many residents in Noida on Sunday were seen distributing sweets as news of her suspension being revoked trickled in.

“Our society needs heros like Nagpal, who can fight corrupt practices and stand up against the sand mafias. It’s a victory of right over wrong,” said Atul Thakur, a social activist.

UP principal secretary (appointment) said Nagpal will be given a fresh appointment in two days.

Greater Noida’s Kadalpur villagers also welcomed the UP government’s decision. “We do not have anything against Nagpal. She was doing her work,” said Shafeek Khan, husband of the village head of Kadalpur.