Ballari: A fresh controversy has erupted in the Ballari police administration following serious allegations against Karnataka cadre IPS officer Vartika Katiyar (IPS:2010:KN), who was transferred last month from the post of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Ballari Range.
Despite her transfer, Ms Katiyar has been allegedly accused of attempting to retain control over official files and threatening subordinate officials, triggering administrative unease and drawing widespread attention after videos and letters surfaced on social media.
Alleged Threatening Call to Administrative Officer
The controversy centres around a WhatsApp call allegedly made by Katiyar to Basavaraj, the Ballari Range administrative (zonal) officer. During the call, she is accused of directing him not to hand over important files to the newly appointed DIG.
According to the allegations:
- Katiyar claimed that her transfer was under challenge before the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT)
- She reportedly warned that if files were handed over, the official could be made a respondent in the legal case
- The conversation was allegedly recorded by Basavaraj
A video clip of the call, purportedly showing Katiyar issuing threats and instructions, has since gone viral on social media platforms.
Letter Written by Officer After the Call
Following the alleged threatening call, Basavaraj wrote a formal letter to Vartika Katiyar, accusing her of obstructing him from discharging his official duties.
In the letter, he reportedly:
- Requested her not to call him again
- Asked her to refrain from issuing written or verbal instructions
- Stated that her actions were interfering with official procedures
This letter has also been widely circulated on social media, further intensifying the controversy.
Transfer Following Violent Political Clash in Ballari
Katiyar was transferred from Ballari following a violent clash on January 1, 2026, between supporters of:
- Congress MLA Bharath Reddy, and
- BJP leader G. Janardhan Reddy
The clash resulted in the death of a Congress worker, Rajashekar Reddy, leading to strong political and administrative backlash.
Subsequently:
- On January 7, 2026, the Karnataka government transferred Katiyar
- She was posted as DIG at the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement, Bengaluru
- She had been serving as DIG, Ballari Range since July 2025
Transfer Challenged Before Central Administrative Tribunal
Following her transfer, Vartika Katiyar approached the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), challenging the government’s order.
She has argued that the transfer violated the mandatory two-year tenure norm
On January 13, 2026, CAT granted her interim relief, staying any precipitative action for not joining her new post
The case is currently under hearing
Despite the matter being sub judice, allegations have emerged that she is pressuring officials to withhold files pending the tribunal’s decision.
Who Is Vartika Katiyar?
Service Background
Vartika Katiyar is a 2010-batch Indian Police Service officer of the Karnataka cadre, originally from Uttar Pradesh. She is known for her strict enforcement style and for being a trailblazer for women officers in the state.
Career Highlights
- First woman SP of Kodagu and Uttara Kannada districts
- Served as SP, State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB), Bengaluru
- Reportedly became the first woman to head a Cyber Crime Division in India (2013)
- Served as DIG, Internal Security Division (ISD) before transfer in 2025
- Briefly posted as DIG and Additional Commandant General, Home Guards & Civil Defence in March 2025
Appointed DIG, Ballari Range in July 2025, overseeing sensitive mining areas and the UNESCO heritage site of Hampi
Past Controversies
Conflict with senior IPS officer D. Roopa Moudgil (2025):
Katiyar accused Roopa of getting junior staff to illegally enter her office to photograph or plant files, leading to her transfer from ISD.
Tipu Jayanti Case (2015):
Received a clean chit in 2018 regarding her handling of violence in Madikeri.
Personal Legal Battle (2021):
Filed a dowry harassment and domestic violence case against her husband, Niteen Subhash Yeola (IFS).
Academic and Personal Profile
Native place: Uttar Pradesh
Education:
- B.A. (Honours) in Economics
- Gold Medalist in academics
- Studied at Kanpur University (as per records)
- UPSC Rank: AIR 43 (Civil Services Examination)
- Batch: 2010 (Regular Recruit)
During her probation at the National Police Academy, she had earlier demonstrated resilience by lodging a sexual harassment complaint against a superior officer.
Situation Being Closely Watched
The latest allegations have raised concerns about:
- Administrative discipline after transfer
- Interference in official procedures
- Use of legal proceedings to influence subordinates
With the matter pending before CAT and evidence circulating publicly, the controversy surrounding Vartika Katiyar is expected to remain under close scrutiny by the state government, police headquarters, and the judiciary.
