Additional Superintendent of Police Narayan Baramani, who had earlier expressed a desire to take voluntary retirement following an alleged public humiliation by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has said he continues to report for duty and has conveyed his grievances to higher authorities.
Speaking to reporters in Dharwad on Thursday, Baramani said, “As I’m in a disciplined department, I have shared my feelings with my higher officials. The Chief Minister, Home Minister, and higher officials have spoken to me in this regard. I’m attending duty.”
The Incident at the Centre of the Controversy
The controversy dates back to April 28, during a Congress rally in Belagavi, when a group of women—allegedly BJP workers—waved black flags and shouted slogans during CM Siddaramaiah’s speech. A visibly upset Siddaramaiah summoned Baramani, who was on duty, onto the stage and questioned him angrily:
“Come here, who is the SP? What are you doing?”
The CM also raised his hand in a gesture of frustration, which he quickly withdrew. The moment was caught on video and widely circulated on social media.
Resignation Letter Surfaces
Shortly after the incident, a letter allegedly written by Baramani surfaced in the media. In it, he expressed anguish over being “publicly insulted and humiliated” for a mistake he claimed he did not commit. The letter read:
“Having been publicly insulted and humiliated by the behavior of the Chief Minister on a public platform… I have no other option but to seek voluntary retirement.”
Political Reactions
The incident has triggered a political storm in Karnataka. Leader of Opposition R Ashoka posted the letter on social media, accusing the Congress-led state government of demoralising police officers.
“Whether the incident… was due to your arrogance of power or frustration at leading a failed government… I leave that to your introspection,” Ashoka wrote in a pointed post addressed to Siddaramaiah.
Ashoka further claimed that the CM’s conduct damaged the self-respect of a dutiful officer, lowered morale within the police, and shook confidence across the bureaucracy.
Current Status
Despite the uproar, ASP Baramani is back on duty and has confirmed he is complying with the code of conduct expected in disciplined services. He refrained from making further public comments on the matter.
As the issue continues to stir debate over political accountability and the treatment of government officials, calls for introspection and procedural fairness in public conduct are growing louder.