Tue Apr 29 07:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Telangana Government Transfers 20 IAS Officers, Including Officer Summoned Over Social Media Post

HYDERABAD, INDIA – The Telangana government announced the transfer of 20 Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers on Sunday, including Smita Sabharwal, who was recently questioned by police for sharing an AI-generated image related to deforestation near Hyderabad Central University.

Sabharwal, a 2001-batch IAS officer and formerly Special Chief Secretary for Youth Advancement, Tourism & Culture, has been moved to the post of Member Secretary, Telangana Finance Commission – a position she previously held. Her transfer follows her police summons last week over a social media post. She questioned the selective targeting, noting that thousands of others had shared the same image.

The transfers also affected several other high-ranking officials. Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary, ITE&C and Sports Department, is now Special Chief Secretary & CEO, Industry & Investment Cell. Sanjay Kumar, Special Chief Secretary, Labour, Employment, Training & Factories, has been moved to the Industries & Commerce Department. Several other key appointments and transfers were made within the Municipal Administration, Health, and Education departments.

The government’s decision to transfer Sabharwal, a powerful officer under the previous government, has sparked speculation, particularly given the timing following her questioning by police. While the government hasn’t officially commented on the connection between the police summons and the transfer, the timing suggests a potential link.

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