The Karnataka government is said to have recommended the transfer of five IPS officers, including Belagavi City Police Commissioner D.C. Rajappa, and has sought the approval of the Election Commission of India (EC). If Rajappa, a 2003 batch IPS officer known for his penchant for writing poetry, is transferred, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Annigeri Manjunath may replace him. The state government's recommendation follows the EC guideline that officers facing criminal cases should be shifted out of public offices involved in election work. The State electoral office has confirmed receipt of this letter. "The EC has issued guidelines to shift officers facing criminal cases or department inquiry related to election offences. All departments are strictly following these guidelines," a senior officer in the chief electoral office said. He said the recommendation regarding transfer of five IPS officers, including Dr. Rajappa, would be decided on in a day or two. The Police Commissioner is facing a criminal case filed by the Lokayukta police in 2008. The case has not reached its logical end as the government is yet to accord prosecution permission to start legal proceedings against him.