Row over feeding stray animals: Mysuru varsity Registrar transferred

The Registrar of the University of Mysore, V.R. Shylaja was transferred on Tuesday night, triggering speculation that it came about following a controversy over the ban on feeding animals at Kukkarahalli lake.

The Registrar of the University of Mysore, V.R. Shylaja was transferred on Tuesday night, triggering speculation that it came about following a controversy over the ban on feeding animals at Kukkarahalli lake.

Though N.K. Lokanath, Vice-Chancellor of the university, confirmed that Ms. Shylaja had been transferred and replaced by M.K. Savitha, Joint Director, Department of Tourism, he claimed ignorance as to why she was suddenly removed.

“The change has come about and it is customary to shift officials after two years of service but beyond that I am not aware,” he added.

The university had come under flak in recent days for banning feeding of stray animals, including dogs, birds and aquatic beings at Kukkarahalli lake.

 It revoked its earlier order, on Tuesday following an appeal by animal rights activists and organisations like the People For Animals, who also met the Vice-Chancellor in this regard.

The Vice-Chancellor confirmed the withdrawal of the ban but did not go into the details or the circumstances as to how the withdrawal came about.

However, other sources said that former MP and BJP leader Maneka Gandhi had sought the intervention of Governor of Karnataka, Thaawarchand Gehlot, in this regard and he had expressed his ire and indignation over the ban.