Mumbai: The city police commissioner R S Sharma today (Nov 14) proceeded on indefinite leave in the wake of indictment by Special Investigating Team (SIT) for his alleged role in "shielding" prime accused Abdul Karim Telgi in the multi-crore fake stamp paper scam.

"I have decided to proceed on leave from today," a beleaguered Sharma said.

Following receipt of SIT report, the Democratic Front Government sanctioned the leave of Sharma with immediate effect, official sources said.

Speculations were rife over Sharma going on leave since yesterday after he met Chief Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, who is in possession of SIT report forwarded to him by Mumbai High Court.

Accepting the report, the high court had ordered SIT to forward it to the Chief Minister for necessary action.

Meanwhile, Dr Satyapal Singh, joint commissioner of police, had taken over as the acting commissioner of police for the time being. Sharma is due to retire this month end.

On learning that SIT report had been forwarded to the Chief Minister, Sharma rushed to Shinde's official residence yesterday and offered to go on leave if the latter so desired. He later met Bhujbal, who also holds the home portfolio.

Both Shinde and Bhujbal however denied that Sharma had been asked to go on leave. The Chief Minister further said that he had yet to read the report.

However, ending speculations, the police commissioner today went on leave.

PTI