Date:26/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/26/stories/2008112653820300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Vijayawada

A tale of two women officers

G. Ravikiran

Such tough officers are stated to be of some disadvantage to ruling party in an elections year

VIJAYAWADA: Two young women officers have become a constant irritant to politicians, who are ever ready to bend rules to their convenience and anti-social elements in Machilipatnam.

Machilipatnam Revenue Divisional Officer K. Hymavathi and trainee Deputy Superintendent of Police Gita Devi, both of whom belong to the 2004 batch of Group I recruits, have put fear into the hearts of those who seek to promote their vested interests at the cost of public welfare and safety.

Both officers cooperate with each other in overcoming any hurdle in the process of handling unlawful elements.

Their actions have caused a ripple in the port town, so much that gambling groups, belt shops and illegal gatherings have been controlled to a certain extent.

Tough time

Recently, Ms. Hymavathi faced a tough time when she cracked down on illegal sand quarrying in assignment lands near Machilipatnam. She got some trucks seized, which led to the followers of local politicians launch an attack on the local Tahsildar office.

They smashed the doors of office and vandalised the place.

The RDO was also instrumental in preparing a report on the destruction of mangroves in 73 acres in the land allotted to the Hyderabad-based Thermal Power Tech Corporation Limited. The report, which was submitted to the High Court, caused ripples in the ruling establishment.

Ms. Gita Devi, on her part, became well-known for her bold steps in controlling gambling and other vices. On several occasions, she got vehicles of those involved in gambling and belt shops seized. She is known for not yielding to political pressures and often conducting night visits to control anti-social elements.

Rumours fly thick and fast in the town that the ruling party’s politicians are greatly worried about their future prospects if these two officers continue to work there for another year. For, in an election year, such tough officers are stated to be of some disadvantage to the ruling party. Rumours are also doing the rounds that the ruling party’s leaders are pleading with the State leadership and the government to get these officers transferred much before the start of the election process.