'Oust Ayush official'

Ayush doctors in the state have launched an indefinite protest here demanding the ouster of Karnataka State Ayurvedic and Unani Practitioners' Board (KAUPB) registrar Dr Thimmappa Shettigar.

Hundreds of Ayurveda and Unani doctors participated in the protest on Friday at the Directorate of Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) demanding the cleansing of KAUPB, which according to them is mired in widespread corruption. Doctors from across the state joined the protest, organised by the Karnataka State Ayush Associations' Joint Action Committee.

The doctors sat in a dharna demanding that the state government take immediate action against Dr Shettigar.

Dr Bhusanurmath, president, National Integrated Medical Association (NIMA), Karnataka chapter alleged that Dr Shettigar was involved in corrupt practices and had refused to vacate his post though he was transferred on April 21.

He said an FIR has been lodged against Dr Shettigar in Bhadravati police station in connection with the death of district Ayush officer Dr Mohammed Hussain. He is also using political influence to stall the transfer, he said.

The doctors have demanded a CBI inquiry into the episode, and have warned of intensifying their protest if the government fails to take any action.