Karnataka Police Officer Seeks VRS After Public Humiliation by CM Siddaramaiah
Published on: July 9, 2025 | By Daily Affairs Hub
In a shocking turn of events, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Narayan Venkappa Baramani from Dharwad, Karnataka, has submitted a request for voluntary retirement (VRS) following an alleged public humiliation by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during a Congress rally in Belagavi on April 28, 2025. The incident, which involved the Chief Minister raising his hand in a gesture to slap Baramani, has sparked widespread controversy and drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties. Read the original report by The Hindu.
The Incident at the Belagavi Rally
During the Congress-led "Samvidhan Bachao and Anti-Price Rise Rally" in Belagavi, a group of women, reportedly BJP workers, disrupted the event by waving black flags and raising slogans. Frustrated by the security lapse, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah summoned ASP Baramani, who was overseeing stage security, and publicly reprimanded him. According to reports, Siddaramaiah shouted, "Hey! Who is this SP here? Get out!" and raised his hand as if to slap the officer, stopping short of physical contact. Baramani stepped back to avoid the gesture, but the public humiliation was captured on camera and widely televised, causing significant distress to the officer and his family. India Today.
Baramani’s Response and VRS Request
In a detailed three-page letter dated June 12, 2025, addressed to the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, Baramani expressed his deep anguish over the incident. He stated, “Having been publicly insulted and humiliated by the behavior of the Chief Minister on a public platform for a mistake I did not commit, I have no other option but to seek voluntary retirement.” The officer, who joined the Karnataka Police as a sub-inspector in 1994 and has served for 31 years, highlighted the emotional toll the incident took on him and his family, describing it as an attack on the dignity of all government employees. Times Now.
Political Reactions and Public Outcry
The incident has fueled a political storm in Karnataka, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS) slamming Siddaramaiah for his alleged arrogance. BJP’s Karnataka unit posted on X, describing the episode as a “disgraceful display of arrogance” and accusing the Chief Minister of damaging the morale of the police force. Leader of the Opposition, R. Ashok, criticized Siddaramaiah, stating, “This incident has brought down the morale of the entire police department and hurt the self-confidence of the bureaucracy.” JDS also condemned the Chief Minister, warning that “power is not permanent” and urging him to apologize. The New Indian Express.
Former Bangalore Police Commissioner Jyothi Prakash Mirji called the Chief Minister’s actions the “biggest mistake,” emphasizing that such public conduct sets a poor example for other politicians. The controversy has also reignited discussions about Siddaramaiah’s leadership style, with critics accusing him of targeting civil servants unfairly. The Hindu.
Government’s Efforts to Retain Baramani
Following the submission of his VRS request, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister G. Parameshwara reportedly met Baramani to persuade him to reconsider his decision. On July 3, 2025, Baramani returned to duty in Dharwad, though he refrained from commenting directly on the status of his VRS application, citing the constraints of being in a disciplined service. Home Minister Parameshwara stated, “It was a spur-of-the-moment reaction, and the CM did not intend to slap the officer. We will ensure he gets a due posting.” Despite these efforts, Baramani’s initial resolve to retire highlighted the depth of his distress. The Indian Express.
Broader Implications
This incident has sparked a broader debate about the treatment of public servants and the accountability of political leaders. Baramani’s decision to seek VRS, even if later withdrawn, underscores the emotional and professional toll of public humiliation. The episode has also intensified political tensions in Karnataka, with opposition parties leveraging it to criticize the Congress government’s leadership. As the Karnataka government deliberates on Baramani’s VRS request, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for dignity and respect in interactions between political leaders and public servants.
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