IPS officer Narayan Baramani refuses to withdraw his resignation after being publicly humiliated by Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah during a rally
A Moment of Public Humiliation: What Happened in Belagavi
The controversy erupted during the ‘Save Constitution’ convention held in Belagavi earlier this year. As Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed the crowd, a group of BJP women workers disrupted the event by waving black scarves and raising slogans. The protest, though peaceful, visibly angered the Chief Minister.
Table of Contents
In a moment captured on video and widely circulated on social media, Siddaramaiah summoned Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Narayan Baramani, who was in charge of stage security. The Chief Minister was seen raising his hand in anger, appearing as if he was about to slap the officer, before stopping short. He then publicly scolded Baramani, demanding, “You, whoever you are, come here. What were you doing?”
The incident stunned the audience and drew immediate criticism from opposition leaders, civil society, and police associations. Senior Congress leaders on stage, including Randeep Singh Surjewala and Law Minister H.K. Patil, were seen attempting to calm Siddaramaiah down as tensions escalated.
Baramani, a respected officer with a clean service record, was visibly shaken. Days later, he submitted his voluntary resignation, citing “public insult and humiliation” as the reason. In his letter to the Chief Secretary, he wrote:
“Having been publicly insulted and humiliated by the behaviour of the Honourable Chief Minister on a public platform for a mistake I did not commit, I have no other option but to voluntarily resign and I request that you accept this.”
Defiance and Dignity: Baramani Refuses to Back Down
Despite repeated appeals from the Karnataka government, including personal outreach by Home Minister G. Parameshwara, Baramani has refused to withdraw his resignation. His decision has become a symbol of resistance against political overreach and a rallying point for those demanding institutional respect for civil servants.
The government’s attempts to pacify the officer have so far failed. Sources suggest that Baramani was offered a transfer and even a promotion, but he declined, stating that the issue was not about career advancement but personal dignity and professional integrity.
The Karnataka IPS Officers’ Association has remained largely silent, but retired officers and bureaucrats have spoken out in support of Baramani. Former DGPs and civil rights activists have called the incident “deeply troubling” and “a dangerous precedent for political interference in policing.”
Meanwhile, the opposition has seized the moment. JDS leaders likened Siddaramaiah’s behavior to “Hitler-like rule,” accusing the Congress government of authoritarianism and disrespect for law enforcement. The BJP has demanded a public apology and called for an independent inquiry into the incident.
Political Fallout and Public Backlash
The incident has snowballed into a major political embarrassment for the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government. What began as a moment of anger has now become a symbol of executive overreach, raising uncomfortable questions about the treatment of public servants and the limits of political authority.
Public sentiment appears divided. While some Congress supporters argue that the Chief Minister’s reaction was a result of heightened security concerns, many others including neutral observers believe that no leader has the right to publicly humiliate a uniformed officer.
The timing couldn’t be worse for the Congress party, which is already grappling with internal dissent and opposition pressure ahead of the 2025 Karnataka civic polls. The video of Siddaramaiah’s raised hand has become a viral meme, and hashtags like #JusticeForBaramani and #RespectTheKhaki have trended on social media.
Legal experts have also weighed in. While the Chief Minister’s actions may not constitute a criminal offense, they violate the spirit of administrative decorum and could be grounds for a formal complaint under service conduct rules.
As of now, Baramani remains firm. His resignation has not yet been accepted, but his stance has already made a powerful statement. In a system where silence is often the norm, his voice and his refusal to be silenced has struck a chord.
Conclusion:
The saga of IPS officer Narayan Baramani is more than a bureaucratic standoff it’s a test of leadership, ethics, and institutional respect. His decision to resign in the face of public humiliation has sparked a national conversation about the dignity of public servants and the boundaries of political power. Whether or not his resignation is accepted, Baramani has already made his mark, not just as an officer, but as a symbol of courage in the face of coercion.
Stay updated with the latest news on Rapido Updates. Keep yourself updated with The World, India News, Entertainment, Market, Automobile, Gadgets, Sports, and many more