Karnataka govt transfers Rohini Sindhuri, D Roopa without posting after public spat

The two have accused each other of violating the Civil Services Conduct rules, and that they had brought it to the notice of the appropriate authorities.

Two top Karnataka women officers, who were indulged in an ugly public spat over posting personal photos on social media have been transferred without posting on Tuesday.

The quarrel between Karnataka State Handicrafts Development Corporation Managing Director Roopa, an IPS officer, and IAS officer Rohini Sindhuri, the Muzrai Department Commissioner, has shocked bureaucratic circles in the state.

The issue this time began with Roopa taking to social media and alleging several "wrongdoings" of Sindhuri. She also made personal remarks, accusing Sindhuri of misconduct and releasing personal pictures of her alleging that it was shared by her with a few male officers.

Terming the allegations as baseless, Sindhuri alleged Roopa is making such comments against her out of personal hatred, and was behaving as if she had lost her mental balance.

The two have accused each other of violating the Civil Services Conduct rules, and that they had brought it to the notice of the appropriate authorities.

Listing out wrongdoings by Rohini, Roopa asked why there was no investigation against Rohini though there were murmurs of corruption. Roopa also pointed out at Rohini's past conflicts with fellow civil servants, including then Mysuru City Corporation Commissioner Shilpa Nag in June 2021.

Roopa also dig up the deaths of 24 people at the Chamarajanagar government hospital due to lack of oxygen during the pandemic. There were allegations then that Mysuru had not transported enough oxygen to Chamarajanagar.

Roopa also mentioned about Sindhuri's immovable property that has allegedly not been declared, and requested that permission be given to Lokayukta to probe a case against her that was rejected earlier.

She also complained regarding giving architectural design work for Karnataka Bhavan in Tirupati at Rs 10 crore without any tender while making several other allegations against her rival.

Sindhuri said she will take legal and other actions with appropriate authorities for Roopa's actions amounting to misconduct and criminal offences under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.

Amid continuing allegations and counter allegations, Sindhuri on Monday met the Chief Secretary and presented her case.

The bitter fight started when images of Sindhuri sitting with Janata Dal Secular JD(S) MLA Sa Ra Mahesh in a restaurant recently went viral.

When in Mysuru, Rohini had constant bitter fights with the JD(S) MLA, with both accusing each other of corruption. D Roopa questioned why an IAS officer would meet a politician and questioned whether a compromise was being struck.

On Monday, Karnataka Home Minister Araga Jnanendra expressed displeasure against their conduct, and warned action, citing service rule violation.