In a significant development, the Karnataka government on Monday transferred IPS officer Vartika Katiyar from her post as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in the Internal Security Division, following her allegations against her immediate superior, IGP D Roopa Moudgil. Katiyar, who had raised serious claims regarding her superior’s conduct, was moved to the position of Deputy Inspector General of Police and Additional Commandant General of Home Guards and Ex-Officio Additional Director of Civil Defence in Bengaluru, a position in a downgraded vacant post.
Allegations of Misconduct Against D Roopa Moudgil
The controversy erupted after Katiyar filed a complaint on February 20 before Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh and marked it to DGP Alok Mohan. In her complaint, Katiyar accused D Roopa Moudgil of directing police personnel to plant confidential documents related to other departments in Katiyar’s chamber. Specifically, Katiyar alleged that on September 6, 2024, a head constable, Manjunath TS, and a home guard, Mallikarjun, entered her chamber after receiving instructions from Moudgil to place some files. The two men allegedly took photos of the documents and shared them via WhatsApp. Katiyar also claimed that Manjunath and Mallikarjun had entered her office by taking keys from the control room during her absence.
Katiyar further alleged that Moudgil had threatened to submit a negative annual performance report, adding that this incident could be part of a pattern of such actions. She warned that if similar incidents occurred in the future, Moudgil would be directly responsible for them.
The Transfer and Background
Katiyar, a 2010-batch IPS officer, was transferred just a day after making the accusations public. The Karnataka government’s order on Monday stated that Katiyar would be moved to a new position, effective immediately, and was now assigned to the post of Deputy Inspector General of Police and Additional Commandant General of Home Guards and Ex-Officio Additional Director of Civil Defence, Bengaluru.
The transfer comes at a time when D Roopa Moudgil, a 2000-batch IPS officer, is awaiting promotion to the rank of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), set to take effect from January 1, 2025. Moudgil’s career has been marked by controversies, including a high-profile public spat with IAS officer Rohini Sindhuri in 2023. The ongoing legal battle between Moudgil and Sindhuri has added to the tension surrounding her career.
Public Tensions and Legal Battles
The dispute between Katiyar and Moudgil adds another layer to the ongoing tensions within Karnataka’s administrative framework. Moudgil’s public altercations with fellow officers, including her legal battle with Sindhuri, have garnered significant media attention. With Katiyar’s recent allegations, this controversy is expected to intensify, raising questions about the functioning of the police force and the potential implications for future disciplinary actions within the Karnataka government.
Debate Continues
The transfer of Vartika Katiyar, following her serious allegations against IGP D Roopa Moudgil, has stirred significant debate about the internal dynamics within the Karnataka Police. While Katiyar’s allegations have raised concerns about the misuse of power, the Karnataka government’s decision to transfer her has further fueled the controversy, leaving many wondering about the underlying tensions between the two senior officers. With Moudgil awaiting a promotion, and the ongoing legal battles, the situation remains fluid, and it is likely to continue attracting attention in the coming weeks.
