The Andhra Pradesh government has transferred 2019-batch IAS officer Vikas Marmat with immediate effect following a criminal case registered against him and three others by Bengaluru police over an alleged late-night altercation at a pub.
Marmat, who was serving as Project Director of the Kuppam Area Development Authority (KADA), has been directed to report to the General Administration Department (GAD) for further posting. The Chittoor District Collector has been instructed to make arrangements for an in-charge officer at KADA. The government order was issued by the GAD on October 14, 2026.
Incident at Cavore Pub
The case stems from an incident in the early hours of October 10, 2026 (around 1:30 a.m.), at Cavore Bar and Restaurant on Residency Road, within the jurisdiction of Cubbon Park police station.
A team from the Central Crime Branch’s (CCB) Special Enquiry Wing, led by Inspector Arun Salunke, was conducting inspections at bars and restaurants in the Cubbon Park and Ashok Nagar areas. The checks were ordered by the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner to verify the ages of patrons and prevent the serving of liquor to minors.
According to the complaint, when police asked some young women present to produce identity documents, Marmat and his companions allegedly objected, began arguing, used abusive language, assaulted or threatened the police personnel, and obstructed them from discharging their duties. Marmat was named as the primary accused.
FIR Details
Cubbon Park police registered an FIR against Marmat and three co-accused — Abhay Uday Singh (a real estate businessman from Bengaluru), Nitish/Nitesh (owner of a competitive examination coaching centre, originally from Bihar), and Roshan (described as a bouncer).
The case was booked under Sections 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), 132 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharge of duty), and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
Police stated that Marmat and the others apologised for their conduct the following morning. A video of the confrontation subsequently circulated on social media, drawing public attention.
Background and Government Response
Marmat, approximately 30 years old and originally from Rajasthan, holds a B.Tech degree in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Kanpur. He was posted as Project Director of KADA in July 2024. Kuppam is the home constituency of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
Following the incident and the viral video, the Chief Minister sought a detailed report from the Chief Secretary. The opposition YSR Congress Party had accused the government of attempting to shield the officer. The transfer appears to be an administrative response to the controversy.
The investigation into the Bengaluru case remains ongoing.
