Cong leaders played dominating role in transfer of IPS officers? Annamalai's transfer withheld

Bengaluru: In a major reshuffle just ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the state government on Wednesday transferred thirty-one IPS officers. As per sources Chief Minister Kumaraswamy had very little role in finalising the list, which they said was decided mainly by  Congress legislature party leader Siddaramaiah and Home Minister M B Patil.

Notably, one such officer whose name figured in the initial transfer list got a call later stating that his name appeared on the list due to “typing error”.

The officer in question, deputy commissioner of police (South) K Annamalai was on Aero India security duty when he came to know that he had been replaced by Isha Pant, who was serving as SP and Director, Forensic Science Laboratory, Bengaluru. Shockingly he was not shown any posting till further orders.

Later, on Thursday, Annamalai got an official confirmation over the phone saying he was not transferred and that his name appeared on the list due to “typing error”.

According to sources, Annamalai’s untimely transfer evoked stiff opposition from the public who alleged the state government of targeting an upright officer. Moreover, the realisation that none of the election guidelines would be applicable to Annamalai’s case, and in the eventuality of him moving the Central Administrative Tribunal, he would win and be back as DCP (south), led to withholding of his transfer order.

Sources added that prominent leaders in JD(S) and Congress have had issues with Annamalai’s working style when he served in Chikkamagaluru and Udupi.

DCP Isha Pant who was supposed to replace Annamalai was then posted as DCP (south-east) Bengaluru, but very shortly got another order asking her to report to Chief Office (DG&IG of Police office) on Nrupathunga Road, until further orders, sources said adding that a Congress leader in South East Bengaluru was not keen on having Isha, with the Lok Sabha polls looming large.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Patil denied having any role in the transfers. “Neither me nor Siddaramaiah have any role in these transfers. It is only done by the Department of Personnel & Administrative Reforms (DPAR) and the Chief Minister approves it,” he said.