Date:07/07/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/07/07/stories/2006070712380300.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Money changed hands: MLC

Special Correspondent

BANGALORE: The issue of the transfer of a district superintendent of police has embroiled the coalition Government in a public row.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Bellary district unit Janardhana Reddy, who was only recently elected to the Legislative Council, addressed the press for the second day on Thursday to allege that the transfer of the Superintendent of Police, Pankaj Kumar Thakur, involved exchange of "Rs. 100 crore" collected from the illegal mining lobby.

He challenged Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy to order an inquiry into his charge or quit.

Minister for Forests C. Channigappa refuted the allegation and told Mr. Reddy to substantiate his allegations.

JD(S) leaders in Bellary district said the BJP had come to power in Karnataka, courtesy their party.

Otherwise, it could never dream of coming to power, the Janata Dal (S) leaders said .

BJP State unit president D.V. Sadananda Gowda partly came out in support of Mr. Janardhana Reddy and said that the Chief Minister should not interfere in the transfer of district superintendents of police.