ASP Narayan Baramani Clarifies Role Post VRS Controversy

Dharwad (Karnataka), Jul 3 (PTI) - Additional Superintendent of Police Narayan Baramani, who previously sought voluntary retirement after an incident involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's displeasure during a Congress rally in April, clarified on Thursday that he continues to fulfill his official duties.

Baramani mentioned that he had discussions with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Home Minister G Parameshwara, and senior officials regarding the situation. However, he refrained from commenting in detail about the incident and his VRS application due to the nature of his profession.

"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," Baramani informed reporters.

In an incident on April 28 in Belagavi, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lost his temper during his rally speech when a group of women, thought to be supporters of the BJP, showed black flags and shouted slogans. In response, Siddaramaiah called Additional SP Narayan Baramani onto the stage and, with visible irritation, questioned him, using a singular address and asking about his actions.

Though Siddaramaiah initially gestured in frustration, raising his hand towards Baramani, he soon withdrew the gesture and instructed the officer to remove the disruptive group.

Feeling publicly embarrassed and humiliated by the Chief Minister's actions, Baramani purportedly wrote to the Home Department that he sought voluntary retirement as a result.

R Ashoka, the Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, shared Baramani's letter's content on social media platform 'X' and criticized the Congress government. He argued that the morale of the police force has been adversely affected.

Addressing Siddaramaiah, Ashoka stated, "Whether the incident in which you raised your hand at Additional SP Narayan Baramani on a public platform was due to your arrogance of power or frustration at leading a failed government, or with a feeling that you will have to relinquish power soon, I will leave that to your introspection." He continued by asserting that the action had disrespected a committed officer and damaged the police department's morale, as well as affecting the bureaucracy's integrity and the workforce's self-assurance.

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