Discontent seem to be brewing in the top echelons of the state police department over the issue of transfers made by the government ignoring the Police Establishment Board (PEB).
The PEB has been constituted by the state government as per the Supreme Court directions and vested with authority to give affect to the transfer of police officials in the state.
Two Director General of Police (DGP) rank officers, who are also members of the PEB have taken up the issue with the government.
In a strongly worded letter addressed to the chief secretary and the home minister, the DGPs have sought for transfer of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP, Administration) for bypassing the PEB and transferring officials.
The ADGP Administration is also the convener of the PEB.
A copy of the letter available with Express, stated that the ADGP had promoted inspectors to DySP rank, executed transfer and postings of IPS officers in violation of the provisions of Karnataka Police Act.
Ripple effect of the letter was reportedly felt during the PEB meeting on Tuesday, where the transfers of SIs were put on hold.
“We wanted to discuss the ADGP transfer issue before taking up the sub inspectors transfers,” DGP BE Umapathy, a member of the board said.
“Tuesday’s meeting was inconclusive and we will take up all these issues again on Wednesday,” said the senior officer who is also one of the signatory of the letter.
The standoff between the top officials over the functioning of the PEB has cast a shadow on the transfer and promotion of officials in the department, which in turn may also have an impact on the security in the state.
Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister R Ashok, however, does not consider it has a serious issue.
“It is not a serious issue,” Ashok told Express on Tuesday.
“I have not received the letter from the DGPs.
Appropriate action will be taken after I get the letter,” the DyCM said adding the government will make some changes in the PEB by appointing another member to the board for better coordination.
Sources said, the government has already appointed ADGP (Law and Order) Bipen Gopalakrishna has the fourth member of the PEB headed by DG&IGP Lalrokhuma Pachau.