Ballari: IPS officer Vartika Katiyar, who was transferred from the post of deputy inspector general (DIG) following the clash in Ballari on Jan 1, has found herself at the centre of a fresh controversy after a video surfaced, purportedly showing her threatening a lower-level official even after her transfer. The video purportedly shows Katiyar speaking to Ballari zonal administrator Basavaraj and warning him not to hand over documents to the newly posted officer. The video has been widely shared on social media.
Katiyar allegedly warns Basavaraj: “The case of my transfer is being heard by Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). In the meantime, if you give the files to anyone, you will also be made a defendant in CAT.” Basavaraj is said to have recorded the conversation. Following the phone call, Basavaraj wrote to Katiyar saying she was obstructing him from discharging his duties. “Therefore, do not call me or send me letters or verbal instructions,” he wrote. This purported letter, too, has been shared widely on social media platforms. TOI tried to contact Basavaraj, but he did not answer calls or text messages. A clash broke out in Ballari on Jan 1 between supporters of Congress MLA Bharath Reddy and BJP legislator G Janardhan Reddy over erecting banners. One person died. Following the incident, Katiyar was transferred on Jan 7. Subsequently, she approached CAT, challenging her transfer. The case is still being heard. Meanwhile, allegations have surfaced that she is exerting pressure on officials not to hand over files that were under her charge to other officers.
