The Karnataka IAS Officers’ Association has strongly condemned controversial remarks made by BJP MLC N Ravikumar targeting Ms. Fouzia Taranum, a 2015-batch Karnataka cadre IAS officer and the Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Kalaburagi. In a statement posted on X, the association described Ravikumar’s comments as “baseless, unjustified and entirely devoid of rationale.”
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The association praised Ms. Taranum as an officer “of impeccable integrity with an exemplary track record and deep dedication to public service and the State.” It emphasized that such remarks not only tarnish the reputation of IAS officers but also cause severe mental trauma and constitute harassment in the course of their official duties.
During a BJP protest on May 24 as part of the ‘Kalaburagi Chalo’ event, Ravikumar accused the district administration of functioning under Congress party influence and questioned the independence of the Deputy Commissioner. He controversially alleged, “I don’t know whether the DC has come from Pakistan or is an IAS officer here.”
Demanding an unconditional apology from Ravikumar for his “irresponsible and unacceptable comments,” the association urged authorities to initiate legal action against him for spreading misinformation and undermining the dignity of a serving officer. The statement reaffirmed that “civil servants must be allowed to carry out their responsibilities without fear, prejudice or undue pressure” and pledged to support all officers facing unfair targeting.
Following a complaint by Kalaburagi Samudaya president Dattatraya Ikkalaki, Kalaburagi police have registered a case against Ravikumar. The FIR includes multiple charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, such as imputations prejudicial to national integration, criminal intimidation, public mischief, and offenses under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The complaint accuses Ravikumar of inciting communal hatred and using derogatory language towards police officials.
Ms. Fouzia Taranum has not issued any public response to the controversy. She was recently honoured with the Best Electoral Practices award for her exemplary role in election management, voter education, and promoting inclusivity during the 2023 Assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
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