Former Maharashtra ATS chief Himanshu Roy, who led probe into IPL betting scam, commits suicide
The 1988-batch IPS officer allegedly shot himself at his residence with his service revolver.
Former Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) chief Himanshu Roy allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself at his residence in South Mumbai today. The 1988-batch IPS officer allegedly shot himself at his residence with his service revolver. Roy, who also served as Additional Director General of Police (Establishment), was rushed to Bombay Hospital, where he was declared dead. Roy, who was joint commissioner of police (Crime) from 2012-2014, is credited with leading the investigation into the IPL betting scandal. He was then transferred to the state ATS. During his tenure as the agency's chief, software engineer Anees Ansari was arrested for allegedly planning to blow up the American school at the Bandra Kurla complex. Reports say that the supercop was battling cancer and was on a long medical leave.
Police officers in field jobs need to be given proper rest: Ex-Mumbai police commissioner
Talking to reporters, former Mumbai Police Commissioner MN Singh said that the police officers in field jobs have to face tremendous pressure and need to be given proper rest and leave. "It is a loss to the government and society," he added.
"He was not meeting a lot of people because he was seriously ill. But suddenly this incident took place. It is very shocking," the former police commissioner said.
Himanshu Roy death: Tributes pour in for the Supercop
Maharashtra Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, opposition leaders as well as the prosecutors who had worked with senior IPS officer Himanshu Roy today condoled his death, calling it a loss for the state police.
"Himanshu Roy was a dedicated police officer. He was an asset for the police force. Roy was known for his remarkable investigation skills....His demise is a great loss for the state police force," the governor said in his message.
Chief minister Fadnavis noted that Roy successfully handled several important cases. "In his sudden death, we have lost a dedicated officer. I share the grief of his family members," Fadnavis said.
Former state home minister and Maharashtra NCP chief Jayant Patil told PTI that he had met Roy at a gym only yesterday.
"We spoke for about 20 minutes. When I told him that his skin had darkened, he said it was effect of chemotherapy. There is a limit to (efficacy of) chemotherapy. It's unending and not easy," Patil said.
Roy was a good officer who never compromised on work, he added. He often ran into Roy at the gym in the morning and chatted with him, the former minister said.
"When he was diagnosed with cancer, he told me he is quitting his job. I suggested instead he should go on a long leave, and he did so. "We would speak about his health. He would say sometimes it's good, and sometimes there is pain," Patil said.
Leader of Opposition in the Assembly and Congress leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil described Roy's death as shocking.
"He was an upright officer and a close friend. His untimely exit is a personal loss to me," Vikhe Patil said. Former chief minister Ashok Chavan said Roy was known for his bravery and integrity, and his contribution to maintaining law and order in the state will always be remembered.
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