EC's transfer order of IPS officers not stayed

An Andhra Pradesh High Court bench refused to stay the Election Commission's orders transferring three IPS officers in the poll-bound state, including the Director General of Intelligence.

The petition against the transfers was made by the TDP government in the state, after the Election Commission acted on a complaint from the YSRCP.

Saying there is "no case for interim relief", the bench expressed its inability to review the decision of the Election Commission of India.

With the high court refusing to stay the orders, the transfer of Intelligence DG will come into force.

The government then, in quick succession, issued three Government Orders leading to the retention of the state Intelligence DG.

The EC had ordered the transfer of Director General (Intelligence) A B Venkateswara Rao, Kadapa Superintendent of Police Rahul Dev Sharma and Srikakulam SP Venkata Ratnam with immediate effect.

The order barred them from taking up any election-related duties and was not given any immediate assignment.

Meanwhile, the YSRCP has again knocked at the doors of the Election Commission, demanding the transfer of DGP R P Thakur, alleging that he carried Rs 35 crore, belonging to TDP and meant for distribution, in his official vehicle.

The YSRCP made similar allegations about the Srikakulam SP.