Transferred IPS officer accused of threatening staff over file transfer
Ballari: Serious allegations have surfaced against IPS officer Vartika Katiyar, who was recently transferred from the post of DIGP following the controversial banner clash incident in Ballari district last month.
Despite her transfer, she is now accused of interfering in official administrative matters and threatening lower-ranking officers. According to reports, Katiyar allegedly contacted the Ballari Range Administrative Officer through a WhatsApp call and instructed him not to hand over important files and documents to the newly appointed officer.
She reportedly claimed that her transfer order is currently under review before the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) and warned the officer that if any files were transferred, he would be made a respondent in the CAT case.
Audio and video recordings of the alleged conversation have gone viral on social media platforms, creating a major stir in administrative circles. In the viral clip, Katiyar is purportedly heard issuing directions and attempting to influence the functioning of the office even after being officially relieved from her post.
In response to the alleged threats, Ballari Range Administrative Officer Basavaraj has reportedly written an official letter to Katiyar. In the letter, he has stated that her instructions are obstructing him from performing his official duties.
He has further requested her to refrain from giving any telephonic, written, or verbal directions in the future. Katiyar was transferred from the DIGP post on January 7 following the law-and-order disturbance triggered by a banner clash in Ballari.
She later approached the Central Administrative Tribunal challenging her transfer order. However, the latest allegations suggest that she has continued to interfere in administrative matters even after being relieved of duty.
The developments have sparked widespread debate within the state administration. Senior officials have expressed concern over the alleged conduct, stating that once transferred, an officer has no authority to influence official work in the previous posting.
No official statement has yet been issued by Vartika Katiyar regarding the allegations. The state government is expected to take note of the issue, as the controversy has raised serious questions about administrative discipline and protocol.
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