Patnaik was abruptly transferred from his post as Commissioner of Police in the aftermath of the Azad Maidan riots . The decision of the Maharashtra Government was highly criticized . Many felt he was a victim of political conspiracy as the opposition led by Raj Thackeray asked for former Home Minister , the late R.R. Patil resignation . From security expert B Raman to super cop Julio Ribeiro , everyone praised Patnaik ’s handling of the explosive situation at Azad Maidan on 11 August . Patnaik had personally walked through the mob , refrained his men from opening fire on the Muslim youth and defused a restive and emotionally charged crowd of 50,000 in under 30 minutes . He was succeeded by Dr. Satyapal Singh
Azad Maidan riots
Azad Maidan riots
Arup Patnaik