Bhubaneswar, Nov 21 (IANS): The Odisha government on Wednesday appointed Abhaya as new Director General of Police (DGP) after removing B.K Sharma from the post.

Abhaya is presently posted as Director of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy, Hyderabad on central deputation.

Sharma has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Home Department, said a Home department notification.

Satyajit Mohanty is posted as director intelligence and will remain in charge DGP till Abhaya joins. Sunil Ray will be the new DG Fire and Home guard.

The government removed Sharma from DGP post and Fire Service DG after constituting a three member committee to probe delay in allotment of fire safety certificates.

The committee comprises of Chief Secretary, Development Commissioner and Home Secretary.

"It is reported that there is huge pendency of applications for issuance of fire safety recommendations and certificates in the Directorate of Fire Services. This has caused immense inconvenience not only to general public but also to business, industry, educational and medical establishments," said an order of Home department.