Mysore/Mysuru: The Wilson Garden Police in Bengaluru have arrested a 30-year-old man from Malavalli who was masquerading as an MLA to try and transfer a driver-cum-conductor with the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC).

The arrested is Punith- 30, a native of Malavalli in Mandya district. Police said that on Oct.  28, Punith had made a call to V. Anbukumar, Managing Director of KSRTC and introduced himself as Chamaraja MLA L. Nagendra.

He asked the MD to consider the transfer of Balaraj, who is a driver-cum-conductor from Mandya Depot, to Malavalli Depot due to the health problems of a family member. Upon the MD’s directions, the KSRTC Divisional Controller of the Mandya Division called the MLA to verify whether it was him.

The MLA denied contacting the MD. The Security and Vigilance Department swung into action and began gathering information from Balaraj, who said during questioning that Punith is an employee with the KSRTC Central Office and assured him about his transfer through the MD. A complaint was filed with Wilson Garden Police.

Later, Balaraj was summoned to the KSRTC headquarters where he was questioned. Balaraj confessed that Punith, who is said to be working at the KSRTC Central Office, helped him in getting the transfer through the MD.

“The KSRTC had contacted me and I denied making any such calls nor did I ask anyone to make a recommendation call on my behalf and as such, the conman was arrested,” the MLA told Star of Mysore.