No relation between probe and my transfer: BBMP commisioner

Even without intimating the media, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) hastily transferred its commissioner Siddaiah and appointed transport department principal secretary MK Shankarlinge Gowda in his place.

On Monday evening, after handing over the charges to Gowda, BBMP’s former commissioner said that his transfer was not connected to the scam probe by the Bangalore Metropolitan Task Force (BMTF). He reiterated that he, on his own accord, had asked for a change in responsibility. He said that he has been having health issues for the past few months, due to work stress and had, therefore, requested for a change in responsibility.

“About 10 days ago, I wrote to the chief secretary and the chief minister about my health problems. Hence, the government decided to relieve me. There is no connection between the scam and my transfer,” Siddaiah said.

He reiterated that there was no interference by MLAs, corporators, and BBMP officials during his tenure.

On handing over the scam to the BMTF, Siddaiah said that BJP leaders merely said that they should have been informed first. “I don’t think anybody expressed any dissatisfaction,” he said.

Siddaiah said that it was his administrative power to hand over the case to the BMTF as it comes under his jurisdiction.