In a development that continues to trouble the Karnataka government, Additional Superintendent of Police Narayan Baramani has steadfastly refused to withdraw his resignation, following a public humiliation incident involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Despite repeated attempts by the CM and Home Minister Mr. G. Parameshwara to pacify the officer, Mr. Baramani remains unmoved, stating that his self-respect has been irreparably damaged.
Officer Cites Public Insult and Lack of Support
In his resignation letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, Mr. Baramani recounted the events that led to his decision. “Having been publicly insulted and humiliated by the behaviour of the Hon’ble Chief Minister on a public platform for a mistake I did not commit, I have no other option but to resign voluntarily,” he wrote.
Referring to the incident at the ‘Save Constitution’ convention in Belagavi, Baramani explained that he was summoned on stage by the CM in the absence of the local SP or DCP. “I went with utmost humility as a mark of respect… the CM immediately raised his hand as if to slap me. I stepped back and avoided it, but the public humiliation stayed,” he stated.
Mental Anguish and Institutional Silence
Mr. Baramani further expressed that neither the Chief Minister nor any senior government official reached out to console or support him after the incident. “Even my colleagues failed to express moral support, which only deepened my mental anguish,” he wrote. The officer said that every day he wears his uniform, the memory of that moment returns, making it unbearable to continue service.
Incident Caught on Camera
The controversy erupted earlier this year during the Belagavi event, where BJP women protestors wearing black scarves disrupted proceedings. CM Siddaramaiah, enraged by the security lapse, publicly scolded Mr. Baramani, who was handling stage security at the time. A video of the event captured the Chief Minister appearing to raise his hand toward the officer—an act widely condemned across social and political circles.
Senior leaders like Mr. Randeep Singh Surjewala and Law Minister H.K. Patil were seen trying to defuse the situation. The Chief Minister later confronted Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar over the protest and breach in security.
Growing Political Fallout
The Karnataka government now faces mounting criticism over the unresolved episode, with Mr. Baramani’s firm stand highlighting concerns over political high-handedness and bureaucratic dignity. His resignation, if accepted, could set a precedent and increase scrutiny of political conduct toward civil servants.
The issue has now become a political embarrassment that shows no sign of fading, with many viewing it as a test of accountability in public office and the working relationship between the political executive and the civil services.
