Women activists seek Prez intervention in DySP transfer row

Rallying behind a woman police officer, transfered twice within two days for allegedly putting on hold a state minister's call, women activists here today sought the intervention of President, the Prime Minister and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi in the issue.
DySP Anupama Shenoy, hailing from Mangaluru, was transferred fromKudligi in Ballari to Athani in Belagavi district and later toIndi in Vijayapura district, reportedly at the instance ofstate Labour Minister Parameshwara Naik for allegedly putting onhold his phone call to speak to the District Superintendent of Police.
In a statement here, a group of women activistssought the intervention of President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, National Women CommissionChairperson Lalitha Kumaramangalam, Congress President SoniaGandhi and party Vice-President Rahul Gandhi in the issue.

Lalitha S Bhat, Vice-President of Inner Wheel Club, Puttur and other activists said that thestate ministers were harassing women police officers and creating fear among them.
"Our humble request to Lalitha Kumaramangalam is to understand the seriousness of the issue and act accordingly toensure a safe and fearless work environment for women," it said.
The statement also urged Mukherjeeand the union government to realise the tough times faced bythe efficient and sincere women officers and takeappropriate action.
The video of the minister's remarks at a party meeting that he had got Shenoy transferred for putting his phone on hold had drawn flak from various quarters.

Senior Congressleader Janardhan Poojary had demanded the minister'sresignation on the issue.