Long-simmering tensions between two top women bureaucrats in Karnataka- IPS office D Roopa Moudgil and IAS officer Rohini Sindhuri -have escalated further after the former accused the latter of corruption and inappropriate behavior.
Roopa, currently serving as the Managing Director of Karnataka Handicrafts Development Corporation even called Rohini, who is posted as the Commissioner of Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowment Department, a home breaker, as per a report in Deccan Herald
On the other hand, Rohini has accused Roopa of mental illness. “Mental Illness is a huge problem, it needs to be addressed by medication and counseling,” said Rohini
The row began after Rohini was spotted with JD(S) MLA Sa Ra Mahesh in a restaurant as both of them always had a clash when she was the District Collector of Mysuru.
Roopa, in a Facebook post, shared a YouTube link titled ‘Rohini Sindhuri meeting with former Minister Sa Ra Mahesh’ and listed out 19 allegations on Rohini’s illegal acts. The IPS officer also accused Rohini of sending personal pictures to other IAS officers.
Roopa further added, “There is an allegation that she has sent her ‘not-so-decent pictures’ to many IAS officers. I got those pictures and it is not a private matter.”
Roopa also raked up the deaths of 24 people at the Chamarajanagar government hospital due to lack of oxygen during the pandemic while Rohini herself built a swimming pool in her house.
Hours after Roopa’s allegations, Rohini issued a media statement.
“Mental illness is a huge problem; it needs to be addressed by medication and counseling. When it affects people in responsible positions, it becomes all the more dangerous. Roopa IPS has been driving false, personal vilification campaigns against me which is her standard modus operandi. She has done it in every place she has worked, including the current one, which is an ex-cadre post,” Rohini said.
Meanwhile, their public fight has taken a major twist with the state's Home Minister warning of a legal action against their public spat.
"The government has not closed its eyes to the developments. It is a big crime to put up such behaviour. The private matters are being dragged to the public domain. Their actions before the media is also incorrect," the Minister said.
"People consider them as demigods and worship them. It is shocking to see the behaviour of both the officers. Due to their behaviour, they are causing insult to good officers. Those who do not have humane feelings can indulge in such acts. I have spoken to Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and DG. We will initiate action as per rules," he stated.
"The way they are speaking publicly is undesirable. The Chief Minister knows about the issue. This is highly condemnable. Action will be initiated in the legal framework,” he said.
(With input from IANS)