Daijiworld Media Network-Bengaluru (RJP)

Bengaluru, Jan 30: Labour minister P T Parameshwar Naik, who got nationwide publicity after 'transferring' deputy superintendent Anupama Shenoy for not answering his telephone calls, has landed in soup again.

It is now lately learnt that the minister also got a range forest officer transferred for cracking down on illegal sand mining in Kudligi taluk.

In a letter addressed to the additional secretary, forest, ecology and environment, dated November 9, 2015, the principal chief conservator of forests has explained the circumstances which led to the transfer of Duddagi, a range forest officer at Gudekote in Kudligi taluk. The letter also mentions about a letter dated October 19, 2015 written by Duddagi to the deputy conservator of forests where he mentioned how the sand and quarry mafia had put pressure on the police for registering a false atrocity case against Duddagi. Duddagi has been serving in Kamalapura range since December 14.

Another incident, which had happened at Nagalapura Thanda in Hagaribommanahalli on March 14, 2015, has become public now. It is now claimed that P T Parameshwar Naik had shouted at a police sub inspector Bhimanagowda in a public meeting. The minister allegedly told the PSI “It is four months since you came to this police station. But you did not meet me at all. I was the one who transferred you here. What is your experience after all? Are you a don? If you do not know how to behave with me, I will dismiss you." Bhimanagowda is said to have narrated this humiliation with many people. But until the recent transfer of Anupama Shenoy, it did not gain expected publicity.

Meanwhile Superintendent of Police R Chetan has said that Anupama Shenoy has gone on sick leave for 15 days from January 24.But another report says that she has been sent on forced leave by the home ministry. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said that transfer of Anupama Shenoy is an administrative issue and it should not be looked from 'doubt ' angle. A day before this, the home minister Dr Parameshwar had said that Anupama was not transferred.

Anupama Shenoy who has not spoken about the issue openly has responded in her facebook page saying ' Human being does not have anything of his /her own. Then why this arrogance? One should only think about good deeds in life." This post is believed to be a reference to the labour minister.

Sonia Gandhi seeks report

Some reports say that All India Congress Committee chairperson Sonia Gandhi has sought a report from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on the P T Parameshwar Naik’s transfer drama.

Political analysts believe that the controversy may prove costly for the Congress in the upcoming taluk and zilla panchayat elections.

Several organisations have called for a Kudligi bandh on Saturday to protest the minister’s conduct.