NEW DELHI: BJP leader Maneka Gandhi has come to the defence of the IAS couple who were shunted over alleged misuse of a sports stadium in Delhi in order to walk their dog. The central government had transferred the IAS couple Sanjeev Khirwar and Anu Dugga to Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh respectively, following reports of their power misuse. Maneka Gandhi, who opposed the centre's action, said that the couple's transfer is a loss to Delhi.

"I know Sanjeev Khirwar very well. The allegations against him are false. His transfer is a loss to Delhi. When Khirwar was secretary of environment department, Delhi benefited from his work. The action against him is completely wrong", she said.

"Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh are not places for punishment posting. These places also need good officials. People go there happily,” she added.