Bengaluru: In a development that has stirred political and administrative circles in Karnataka, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Narayan Venkappa Baramani has tendered his request for Voluntary Retirement Service (VRS), citing public humiliation at the hands of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Baramani alleges that the Chief Minister attempted to slap him during a Congress rally in Belagavi on April 28, following a protest involving women demonstrators waving black flags.
The officer was posted at the venue as part of the security detail.
“The Chief Minister got angry and tried to slap me. I instinctively stepped back, but the damage was done. I was publicly shamed without fault,” Baramani stated in an open letter released today.
Baramani, who began his police career in 1994, said the event had severely impacted his dignity and morale. He further expressed dismay that no apology or outreach followed from the Chief Minister’s Office or senior police authorities.
“For two days, the incident was telecast repeatedly, but I received no words of reassurance or support. This wasn’t just an insult to me but to all government officials in uniform.”
Amid speculation about a possible political foray, the officer has denied reports that he is eyeing a BJP ticket from Belagavi. However, BJP state chief Vijayendra Yediyurappa has expressed solidarity, urging the officer to reconsider his VRS decision.
“We stand with Baramani and all public servants who uphold the law with dignity. Injustice should not force anyone out of service,” Vijayendra posted on social media.
The Siddaramaiah-led Congress government has not issued an official statement on the allegations so far.
This incident has added fuel to the ongoing political discourse in Karnataka, with the opposition sharpening its criticism of the Chief Minister’s leadership style.
