Transfer tussles heat up in Karnataka,strict officials out in Himalayas

policemen who had sought transfers by using political influence and had threatened action against them.

Meanwhile,state Health Secretary M Madan Gopal,a 1984-batch IAS officer,had not yielded to consistent political pressure for transfer of Health Department officials,said sources. What makes the timing of Madan Gopals trip to Mansarovar more intriguing is that he himself was transferred to the Food and Civil Supplies Department on June 5 in his absence.

According to official sources,Madan Gopals removal from the Health Department is not entirely surprising as the issue of his transfer was a part of the recent tussle between two factions within the ruling BJP one led by Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa and a second headed by the mining lobby from Bellary,including Health Minister B Sreeramulu.

While Madan Gopals transfer at the time of his trek does not seem to be coincidental,the question of a forced leave for the states police chief is met with categorical denials all around. It is true that notices were issued by the DGP but that is not the reason for him going on leave, said a senior police official.

Home Minister Dr V S Acharya said Singh sought leave to go to Gangotri-Yamunotri a month ago. The DGP had sought leave last month itself to go on a pilgrimage, Dr Acharya said. Sources in the government also said the DGP had gone on the pilgrimage with his wife,an IAS officer,timing the trip with her leave travel concession eligibility.

Officials in the police and the government,however,also confirmed mounting differences between senior police officials and subordinates over the issue of politically influenced transfers. There are several key posts in the police department that have been lying vacant for a long time and the DGP wanted to recall officers on deputation to other government departments to fill up posts. Some officers have used the influence of ministers to stop or affect transfers, sources said.