A proposal to this effect was prepared by the State Election Commission and sent to the State government in last week of October, 1998. It is learnt that the State government has accepted the proposal and Raikar will be transferred sometime next week. Raikar holds one of the most prestigious and important post and is next to Chief Electoral Officer, Dr D K Sankaran, in the hierarchy.

The charges against him are quite shocking. During the last Lok Sabha elections, held in February this year, Raikar had toured the State. In capacity of Deputy Chief Electoral Officer of the State, Raikar is empowered to inspect different poll arrangements and issue directives to lower officers if there are any shortcomings in the same. As part of his tour, Raikar also visited Thane, Kalyan, Dombivali, Ulhasnagar and adjoining areas.

However, theState EC later received several complaints that Raikar allegedly misused his powers to a great extent. Moreover, there were specific complaints from Thane, Dombivali, Kalyan and Ulhasnagar. The Returning Officers from these areas complained that Raikar had purchased expensive garments from different cloth shops and made them pay the bills. Similar complaints were also received from other parts of the State, it was learnt.

The State EC conducted an inquiry into these complaints and it was concluded that there was truth in them. But since no proof could be found of Raikar's alleged misuse of office, the Commission proposed Raikar's transfer instead of a departmental inquiry or disciplinary action.

When contacted, Raikar refuted all charges levelled against him. He said, ``As part of my job, I did tour the State. But I did not purchase anything and never made any of the lower officers pay for my so-called shopping. I think this is a conspiracy by some of the officers from Thane and Kalyan area, whom I hadtransferred according to rules laid down by the Election Commission of India. I am ready for transfer anytime but I was never given any hearing from the State Election Commission.''

On the other hand, Dr Sankaran refused to comment on the issue involving his deputy. ``I neither deny nor confirm the entire episode. I can not comment on the issue and can not reply to your questions,'' Dr Sankaran told The Indian Express on Friday evening.