Gujarat IPS officer Rahul Sharma, who gave critical evidence before the Nanavati Commission probing the Godhra riots, on the call records of people in high offices, has sought retirement from service. Sharma applied for retirement a day after the Nanavati Commission submitted its final report on the riots probe to chief minister Anandiben Patel.

Sources said if the government accepts his application, he will be retiring in March, 2015. Sharma is currently posted as Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Armed Unit, in Vadodara.

Sharma had taken on the former Narendra Modi-led government when, in 2004, he submitted two CDs of call data records, sourced from two private telecom companies, as part of evidence while assisting in the investigations into the Naroda Patiya, Naroda Gaam and Gulberg society massacre cases.

The data had helped track movements of ministers, bureaucrats, VHP and Bajrang Dal leaders and others by their mobile phone numbers.

While confirming the development, Sharma refused to give more details. According to sources, Sharma has sought retirement citing “personal” reasons. The letter dated Nov. 19 is said to have been marked to additional chief secretary, home department, G R Aloria, chief secretary to government of Gujarat D J Pandian and Director General of Police, among other senior officials.

Sharma, 50, has sent a three-month notice for retirement under sub-rule 16 (2) of All India Police Service.

Sharma’s retirement comes when a legal case is pending with Central Administrative Tribunal, Ahmedabad bench. He has filed three sets of applications, alleging the state government of being biased against him due to his role in investigations into the 2002 riot cases.

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