Bangalore: Facing stinging criticism from political circles for transferring Lokayukta ADGP Gdonkar this week, the new BJP government under DVS Gowda has transferred as many as 228 police officers by an order overnight as on Saturday. But this Government had promised earlier that there would be no transfers until April next year in government servants.

But 48 Dy. SP, 107 SIs and 73 SIs are on transfer now. Does it stem from DVS Gowda as a strongman, or is it by an unseen power behind him, just out of jail, only to bring police to their knees to suit the new administration, is a million dollar question.

The countdown against B. Sriramulu in Bellary rural by poll has just begun, but such a sweeping transfer order has baffled the police cadres. Congress has not taken to it kindly, either.

The Bellary by-poll (for rural constituency) is due only on November 30 and there could be sweeping changes against Reddy group machinations, by ruling BJP, under DVS Gowda and R. Ashok.