The Karnataka IAS Officers’ Association held a special meeting in Bangalore on Sunday to express solidarity with retired IAS officer Shamim Banu who was remanded in judicial custody by a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) special court on Saturday.

Around 100 officers met and agreed to render moral and legal support to Banu. “We felt Banu was a good officer throughout her long career in the IAS. We have to provide her moral and legal support in times of difficulty. We have full faith in the judiciary and are confident that she will come out clean,” Additional Chief Secretary and Karnataka IAS Officers’ Association President Kaushik Mukherjee said.

However, no resolution was passed at the meeting.

The Association has also reportedly decided to help Banu by coordinating with her lawyers. The Association is not planning anything that would mar the dignity of the service. This decision has been taken in good faith. She deserves our sympathy, Mukherjee said.

Bail plea

Another senior IAS officer said the turn of events was unfortunate, as Banu was known as an upright officer with a good reputation. Many officers have reportedly expressed their support by reaching out to her family, though some opined the support the Association could offer was minimal as the matter was in Court. However, Banu’s bail application is likely to be moved before the Court on September 10.

The CBI has charge sheeted Banu for allegedly abetting illegal activities carried out by Deccan Mining Syndicate (DMS). The arrest was made following an investigation pursuant to the Central Empowered Committee’s (CEC) findings that DMS had encroached upon mines owned by the National Mineral Development Corporation.

Banu, who was serving as an administrative member of Karnataka Administrative Tribunal, is said to have tendered her resignation after receiving the Court summons.