Mangaluru: A senior leader in the Congress party revealed to Newskarnataka.com that IAS officer of 2011 batch, MCC (Mangalore City Corporation) commissioner Hephsiba Korlapati Rani was transferred after MLA, Mangaluru North, Mohiuddin Bava backed by corporates pressurized the state government to give in to the demand. 

Newskarnataka.com had earlier reported about the lobbying of Congress corporators and MLAs with the CM for the transfer of Hephsiba. The CM had earlier decided that the Commissioner won’t be transferred in the immediate aftermath of the demand.  However, sources in the Congress party indicated to  Newskarnataka.com that she has been transferred to Vijapur as the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of the ZP. Hephsiba took charge as commissioner of the MCC in January.

Succumbing to pressure exerted by Bava and few corporators the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah relented, with government ordering the transfer of upright IAS officer, said a veteran Congress leader. According to him, there were huge differences between Bava and Hephsiba over the issue of passing a bill for  construction works. “The MLA, Bava demanded exorbitant commission for the work taken up by the Nirmiti Kendra and learning this, Hephsiba did not pass the bill.”

The leader narrated that once Hephsiba wept behind closed doors after Bava lashed out in anger at her, threatening to transfer her from the post. The MLA’s wrath proved costly for the officer. On the other hand activist Hanumanth Kamanth reacting to the development said this was a black day for Mangaluru. “She was an upright officer and news of her transfer has pained me.” He said, he is contemplating protests against the decision of Siddaramaiah government.

Read more