Police protest leader complains against CM Siddaramaiah for interference in transfers
- Akhila Karnataka Police Mahasangha president lodged a complaint against CM and 27 others
- They are accused of interfering in police officers’ transfers
- The complainant has named a few ministers too
FollowA complaint against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and 27 others including a few ministers has been lodged with Lokayukta alleging their interference in the transfer of police officers.
Complainant V Shashidhar, president of Akhila Karnataka Police Maha Sangha – in his complaint – has stated that despite the guidelines laid down by the High Court of Karnataka, the state government is influencing the transfers of police officers when the power is rested with the Police Establishment Board. Sometimes, the state government has shifted police officers as per its whims and fancies. The Police Establishment Board has been constituted under Section 20B of the amended provisions of Karnataka Police Act.
He alleged severe irregularities in the transfers where police officers seek favours from politicians to get posting to their favourite places.
Apart from chief minister Siddaramaiah, he also alleged interference by ministers Satish Jarkiholi, DK Shivakumar, Ramalinga Reddy of influencing police officers' transfers. This is a breach of oath of office as per the Third Schedule of the Constitution, Shashidhar pointed out.
V Shashidhar speaking to Suvarna News said although he had complained to Anti-Corruption Bureau last year, no action was initiated. Later, he petitioned in the high court which directed him to approach Lokayukta.
Shashidhar had earlier attracted headlines for planning a protest of constables against low pay and poor working conditions in the department in June 2016. The department had threatened the constables to invoke ESMA Act if they participate in the protest. Later, Shashihdar was arrested in high drama and released later. Once a police constable, Shashidhar now claims to be a journalist and a rights activist.
