IAS officer Vikas Marmat transferred by Andhra Pradesh after Bengaluru pub row

Swift administrative action following Bengaluru incident

The Andhra Pradesh government has swiftly transferred IAS officer Vikas Marmat from his post as Project Director of the Kuppam Area Development Authority (KADA), demonstrating clear administrative accountability after he was named in a Bengaluru police case.

Chief Secretary G Sai Prasad issued the transfer order on 14 October, directing the 2019-batch officer to report to the General Administration Department for further posting with immediate effect. The Chittoor District Collector has been instructed to arrange an interim in-charge for KADA to ensure uninterrupted governance and development work in the region.

Details of the police case in Bengaluru

The decision follows an incident during the early hours of 10 October at Cavore, a bar and restaurant on Residency Road in Bengaluru. A Central Crime Branch team, led by Inspector Arun Salunke, was conducting routine checks on customer age verification to ensure compliance with local regulations.

According to the FIR registered at Cubbon Park Police Station, an altercation broke out when officers asked patrons for identification. Police alleged that Marmat and his companions argued with the team, used abusive language, and obstructed officers from performing their official duties.

Focus on governance standards and accountability

The state government took immediate note of the matter after reports and social media videos surfaced regarding the late-night confrontation. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu directed the Chief Secretary to conduct an inquiry into the incident, reflecting the administration's emphasis on high standards of conduct among public servants.

Following the initial probe, the government acted decisively to relieve Marmat of his responsibilities in Kuppam. The investigation by Bengaluru police into the events at the venue remains ongoing.