P.C. Jaffer takes over as new Dy. Commissioner

Mandya: On the directions of the Election Commission (EC), the State Government on Tuesday transferred Mandya Deputy Commissioner (DC) and District Electoral Officer N. Manjushree with immediate effect and posted Commissioner for Department of Public Instruction P.C. Jaffer as the new DC of Mandya.

It may be recalled, actress Sumalatha Ambarish, wife of late actor-turned-politician Ambarish, who is contesting as an independent candidate from Mandya LS seat, had lodged a complaint with the EC alleging that DC Manjushree was working in favour of the coalition candidate Nikhil Kumaraswamy, after succumbing to pressure from the CM’s Office.

Sumalatha had also complained about disruption in power supply that led to the disconnection of cable network on the day she addressed a public meeting after filing her nomination papers.

After Sumalatha lodged the complaint, the DC had issued notice to Sumalatha seeking an explanation on the allegations made by her against the district administration.

Sumalatha’s polling agent Madan Kumar had also accused the DC of not looking into their objections over alleged discrepancies in JD(S) candidate Nikhil Kumaraswamy’s papers. Sumalatha has also sought the DC’s transfer to ensure free and fair elections.

Mysuru Regional Commissioner T.K. Anil Kumar had conducted an investigation based on the complaint.

Now the EC has appointed P.C. Jaffer as the new Mandya DC replacing Manjushree, who has been transferred without posting.

It may be mentioned here that Jaffer had served as Mandya DC earlier too from Apr. 12, 2010 to June 15, 2012.