Karnataka Police Officer Responds to Controversy After CM's Outburst
Officer's Duty Amid Controversy
Dharwad (Karnataka): Narayan Baramani, the Additional Superintendent of Police, has stated that he is currently fulfilling his duties, following an incident where he faced the ire of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during a Congress rally in Belagavi back in April.
His remarks were made in light of rumors suggesting he had requested voluntary retirement after the confrontation.
Earlier on the same day, R Ashoka, the Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, shared what he claimed was Baramani's letter requesting VRS on social media, asserting that the Congress government has negatively impacted police morale.
Baramani confirmed that he has had discussions with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Home Minister G Parameshwara, and other senior officials. However, he refrained from discussing the incident or the status of his retirement request, emphasizing his commitment to the discipline of his role.
"Being part of a disciplined department, I have communicated my concerns to my superiors. The Chief Minister, Home Minister, and other officials have reached out to me. I am here to serve," Baramani told the press.
During the rally on April 28, Siddaramaiah visibly lost his temper and gestured towards Baramani after a group of women, allegedly affiliated with the BJP, disrupted his speech.
As the crowd displayed black flags and shouted slogans, Siddaramaiah called Baramani to the stage, questioning his actions. In a moment of frustration, he raised his hand towards the officer but quickly retracted it, instructing him to address the disturbance.
In his alleged letter to the Home Department, Baramani expressed, "After being publicly insulted and humiliated by the Chief Minister for an error I did not commit, I feel compelled to seek voluntary retirement."
Ashoka criticized Siddaramaiah, stating, "Your action of raising your hand at Additional SP Narayan Baramani reflects either arrogance or frustration with your failing government. This has undermined the dignity of a dedicated officer and diminished the morale of the entire police force, impacting the integrity of the bureaucracy and the confidence of the workforce."