What Is D Roopa IPS vs Rohini Sindhuri IAS Saga
Two women officers holding significant titles in bureaucracy, IPS officer D Roopa Moudgil and IAS officer Rohini Sindhuri – have been at the centre of controversial public argument for close to an year. Both officers handling administerial duties in Karnataka engaged in a public spat with each other alleging corruption, and sending personal pictures to other IAS officers.
The fight began when images of Rohini Sindhuri and JD(S) MLA from Mysuru’s Krishnarajanagara Sa Ra Mahesh sitting together in a restaurant appeared. When pictures emerged, D Roopa asked on social media why an IAS officer was close with the politician. Back in 2021, while Rohini was undertaking duty as the Deputy Commissioner of Mysuru, the bureaucrat and the MLA Sa Ra Mahesh had several fights, wherein both alleging each other of corruption. D Roopa questioned whether a compromise was initiated in this regard.
D Roopa also shared personal pictures of Rohini Sindhuri on social media platforms, and in a detailed Facebook post indicted her with 19 allegations including corruption. Besides, she lodged complaint with chief secretary of the state urging a probe into the allegations against Rohini Sindhuri. Roopa accuses Rohini Sindhuri for negotiating with politicians. “I have read several reports that Rohini had met with the MLA [Sa Ra Mahesh]. Some news outlets are speculating if it was a compromise meeting. . . Is there any provision in the law that allows it?,” The News Minute quoted as she is saying. She also added that Rohini Sindhuri can file case and she will explain her side of the story in court.
In response, Rohini Sindhuri aiming at Roopa said that “mental illness is a serious problem that requires treatment”. Consequently, Rohini Sindhuri lodged civil and criminal proceedings against D Roopa citing defamation. On December 13, Supreme Court while hearing a petition filed by D Roopa requesting to cull Sindhuri”s criminal defamation complaint suggested both officers to settle the issue via mediation. However, both officers on December 14 informed the court that mediation is not possible.
A bench of Justices A S Oka and Pankaj Mithal expressed disappointment at the two officers inability to settle issues amicably. “If IAS-IPS officers fight like this, how will the administration work?” asked Justice Oka when said that matter will now be hear on merits.
Rohini Sindhuri, meanwhile, told the Court that IPS officer had undertook a “character assassination” against her via social media posts. How can she bring my family into this?… How can I work in the State?” Live Law quotes as she is saying. Then the bench inquired D Roopa if she was investigating any corruption allegation against the IAS officer, former replied in negative, “How are you concerned with the allegations made by someone which are being probed by somebody else? What business you have to make allegations when it is a matter for trial?” Live Law reports.
Thereafter, the Court asked Roopa to remove the objectionable posts within 24 hours. Besides, it also instructed the IPS officer to file an affidavit December 15, detailing the nature of the removed posts. If, for any reason, the officer cannot delete the posts, she was directed to make at least one post mentioning that she is withdrawing her statements against Rohini.
