The district unit of the AIADMK on Friday (June 19) alleged that an aide to Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan was responsible for the transfer of nine employees of the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC).

Addressing reporters after submitting a petition to the Superintendent of Police here on Friday, Erode West Suburban District Secretary and former MLA K.V. Selvaraj alleged that the transfers were carried out at the behest of Mr. Sengottaiyan’s aide, Sabeesan.

Mr. Selvaraj claimed that the nine employees, all drivers and conductors attached to the TNSTC depot in Gobichettipalayam, had worked against Mr. Sengottaiyan during the recent election and were subsequently targeted. The employees were recently transferred to depots in Coimbatore, Udumalpet and Tiruppur, he said.

Alleging interference in administrative matters, Mr. Selvaraj said Sabeesan had met the Regional General Manager of the Transport Corporation in Coimbatore and submitted a list of employees to be transferred. He further alleged that the aide had sent a WhatsApp message to the official concerned seeking the transfers. “We have evidence to substantiate the allegation,” Mr. Selvaraj said.

He said the party had sought police permission to stage a protest against the transfers, but the request was denied. A fresh representation had been submitted seeking permission to hold a demonstration at a venue and time approved by the police, he added. Urging the State government to intervene, Mr. Selvaraj demanded that the transfer orders be revoked and appealed to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to look into the matter.

AIADMK and Anna Trade Union functionaries, including Gobichettipalayam town secretary Pranesh, were present during the interaction with the media.