The home ministry (MHA) has given in to the demand of the Gujarat government and recommended the dismissal of IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt, seen as a baiter of Chief Minister Narendra Modi, on grounds that he misused his official position and indulged in anti-government acts.

The MHA approved this week the proposal sent by the state government last month. It has directed the state government to take appropriate steps for Bhatt's dismissal.

Bhatt can challenge the decision in a superior court or a tribunal. Home ministry sources said Bhatt will first be served a showcause notice asking him to explain his acts and will then be informed of the government's decision.

A 1988 batch IPS officer, Bhatt has been under suspension for two years. He was arrested after a constable filed an FIR claiming Bhatt had forced him to file a false affidavit saying Bhatt was present at a February 2002 meeting called by Modi. Bhatt claimed Modi asked officials at the meeting to go easy on rioters, leading to hundreds being killed in communal violence.

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