Top cop shifted in Sasikala bribery row
BENGALURU: The Karnataka government transferred on Monday DIG (prisons) Roopa D Moudgil, who recently alleged that AIADMK leader VK Sasikala received preferential treatment in Bengaluru Central Prison by paying a bribe. Moudgil was transferred to the position of inspector general of police and commissioner for traffic and road safety, Bengaluru.
The Karnataka government transferred on Monday deputy inspector general of prisons, Roopa D Moudgil, who recently alleged that AI AD MK lea de rV K Sasikala received preferential treatment in Bengaluru Central Prison by paying a bribe.
Moudgilw as transferred to the position of inspector general of police and commissioner for traffic and road safety, Bengaluru.
In her controversial report, Moudgil had said she heard allegations that a bribe of Rs 2 crore had been paid by Sasikala to senior prison officials, including director central of prisons HN Satyanarayana Rao, for getting privileged treatment, which, among other things, including a private kitchen.
Rao,too,h as been transferred, but without charge, as he is set to retire at the end of the month. NS Megharikh was posted as the additional director general of prisons. He was ADGP, anti-corruption bureau, earlier.
“These are administrative issues,” chief minister Siddaramaiah said.
The transfers appear to be a part of ensuring a fair probe. Sid- daramaiah has announced an inquiry into the matter, to be headed by retired IAS officer Vinay Kumar.
However, the notification for the probe has not yet been issued.
Meanwhile, opposition parties opposed the move. Janata Dal (Secular) leader and former CM HD Kumaraswamy said he feared the probe will not be effective.
“By transferring the person who revealed the controversy, the government is sending out a message that they will sideline it,” Kumaraswamy claimed.
Suresh Kumar of the Bharatiya Janata Party called for a judicial inquiry. “Considering the nature of the allegations, a judicial probe headed by a retired judge of the high court is needed ,” the BJP leader said.