Neil Basu: Indian-origin UK officer appointed new Chief of Scotland Yard's Counter-terrorism Unit

Senior Indian-origin Scotland Yard officer Neil Basu became first person of Asian heritage to be appointed as Counterterrorism Chief. He will take charge as Scotland Yard’s National Lead for Counter Terrorism (CT) and Head of Met Police’s Specialist Operations.

Key Facts

Basu will replace Mark Rowley, Met assistant commissioner who has been in charge of counterterrorism unit since June 2014 and had resigned recently. He is currently Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner and will be promoted to rank of Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Operations. Basu’s father is of Indian origin.

Scotland Yard (officially New Scotland Yard)

It is officially New Scotland Yard. It is metonym for headquarters of Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), the territorial police force responsible for policing most of London. Its name derives from location of original Metropolitan Police headquarters at 4 Whitehall Place, which rear entrance on street had called Great Scotland Yard. The first MPS was opened on 6 October 1829 on street called Great Scotland Yard, at rear of 4 Whitehall Place. Now, Scotland Yard building is owned by Indian billionaire Yusuff Ali M.A, chairman of Lulu Group International.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2018