A brief Home Ministry order said Dadwal, a 1974 batch Indian Police Service officer of the AGMU cadre, has been relieved of his charge with immediate effect.

The order while directing Dadwal to report to the Union Home Ministry, did not specify any reason for the move.

Dadwal's removal from the high-profile and sensitive post comes in the wake of widespread media criticism over his presence at the Tamarind Cafe restaurant owned by socialite Bina Ramani on April 30 when Lal was gunned down.

While Police Commissioner V N Singh was not available for comment, Dadwal refused to meet reporters at his office.

Dadwal has occupied several senior positions including Additional Commissioner (New Delhi), Deputy Commissioner (Special Branch) andInspector General of Chandigarh Police.

He was also in the team which probed the assassination of then Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh.

Dadwal had stated after Jessica's murder that he had gone to the restaurant along with friends as a normal customer and that he was not present when the killing took place.