Won't Take Back Resignation, Says Karnataka Cop Whose Facebook Post Went Viral

Bengaluru: Anupama Shenoy, the Karnataka cop who had announced her resignation on Facebook earlier this week, has said she will not reconsider her decision, even as a controversy rages with the opposition parties accusing a minister of putting political pressure on the officer.

"Resigned and jobless," read Anupama's terse Facebook post on June 6, which was soon viral.  Karnataka's labour minister PT Parmeshwar Naik - who was some months ago caught on camera boasting about how he had Ms Shenoy transferred - has said he has played no part in the latest development.

"I have no connection with her resignation. That is a personal issue. I have played no part in it. I am not connected at all," the minister said.

In February, the minister was seen on camera talking about how he got Ms Shenoy transferred out of Bellary, because she had put his phone call on hold. The officer's transfer was cancelled after public outrage.

Ms Shenoy has not said why she has resigned. In a brief letter to Karnataka Director General of Police on June 4, Ms Shenoy said she was resigning "for personal reasons".

She today disowned new posts on her Facebook page that talked about releasing CDs and audio tapes against Mr Naik and also one that dares the minister to resign.

"PT Parameshwar Naik, I have resigned. When are you resigning?" read the post in Kannada on Ms Shenoy's timeline.

She said she was not aware of updates on her Facebook account, adding that on Thursday evening, she would meet Bellary's Superintendent of Police who, according to sources, has been tasked by the government to persuade her to take back her resignation.

Opposition parties have rushed to support Ms Shenoy. "I think her commitment her efficiency became a hurdle for minister PT Parmeshwar Naik," said senior BJP leader Suresh Kumar.

Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, leader of the Janata Dal (Secular), told NDTV, "the political atmosphere is so much downgraded and for earnest officers, there is no place in this government."

"This Anupama Shenoy resigns -- did any senior officer call her to say, 'We are with you, don't be disheartened'...," he added.