IO moved, new officer for Pocso case against seer

Davanagere: Harihar Rural PSI Manjula D, who was appointed as the investigation officer (IO) in a Pocso case registered against the expelled pontiff of Lingayat Panchamasali Peetha, Vachanananda Swami, has been transferred.

Superintendent of police HT Shekhar transferred Manjula to the Azad Nagar police station (investigation section) in Davanagere. Jayaratnamma, who was holding the post, has been shifted to the law and order section of the same station.

“Considering Manjula’s written request, the transfer was made on administrative grounds. Harihar Rural police inspector Suresh Sagari has been appointed as the investigation officer in the Pocso case against the swami,” he said.

However, police sources said office-bearers of the Panchamasali Peetha trust had complained to East Range IGP BR Ravikantegowda, alleging that Manjula was not investigating the case properly. “Based on this, the IGP directed the Davanagere SP to transfer her,” they added.