Complaint to Lokayukta against Siddaramaiah over 'Unlawful' police transfers

A complaint against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and 27 others was lodged on Thursday with the Lokayukta by the chief of the Karnataka Police Mahasangha alleging “unlawful” transfer of police personnel on requests from political leaders. A thorough investigation into the matter has been sought by chief of the mahasangha Shashidhar Venugopal, who has also complained against 21 police officials. Mr. Venugopal alleged in his complaint that in spite of earlier directions issued by the Supreme Court and High Court of Karnataka, the Chief Minister had ordered transfer of police officials following requests from political leaders. The Supreme Court had directed the Central and State governments to amend the Karnataka Police Act as the appointments and transfers of police officers were made with political influence, Mr. Venugopal claimed. He is facing sedition charges for allegedly instigating police personnel to strike work a few months ago on issues concerning their welfare and “harassment” by superiors and spent two weeks in jail before getting bail. Mr. Venugopal also alleged that the “unlawful” transfers were nothing but a breach of oath of office under the Third Schedule of the Constitution. “The respective MLAs, MLCs, MPs and Ministers, including Chief Minister, have caused breach of oath of office as per the Third Schedule of the Indian Constitution by ordering unlawful postings,” he claimed in the complaint lodged with the anti-corruption body. Mr. Venugopal also alleged that the police officers who seek favours from politicians for postings to their favourite places do not carry out proper investigation against politicians facing criminal cases. “The Chief Minister obliges the politicians thereby,” he added. Mr. Venugopal said the Police Establishment Board has absolute powers on deciding transfers, postings, promotions and other service-related matters of officers below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police.