Did Karnataka Government Convince the Cop ‘Humiliated’ by Siddaramaiah to Return?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Karnataka government intervened to retain a police officer.
- Public humiliation by a political leader raises significant concerns.
- The emotional impact on law enforcement personnel is profound.
- Close relationships between officials can influence decision-making.
- Public response indicates strong sentiment regarding officer treatment.
Bengaluru, July 3 (NationPress) The government of Karnataka has successfully persuaded the police officer who was reportedly 'humiliated' by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to return to his post, sources disclosed on Thursday.
The resignation of Karnataka Additional Superintendent of Police Narayana V Baramani was poised to create a significant embarrassment for Siddaramaiah and the state administration.
Baramani's resignation letter detailed the 'humiliation' and distress endured by him and his family following an alleged public rebuke and a gesture resembling a slap from the Chief Minister, igniting widespread outrage.
In the letter directed to the Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs (Police Services) at Vidhana Soudha, Baramani announced his voluntary retirement citing the alleged 'humiliation' from the Chief Minister.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Baramani mentioned that he had shared his feelings with senior officials. 'I have resumed duty. Senior officials, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Home Minister G. Parameshwara have discussed this matter with me,' he stated.
However, he declined to comment on the current status of his resignation letter or if he plans to retract it.
Sources indicated that despite numerous attempts, Baramani was initially resistant to reconsider his decision. He was eventually convinced by H. K. Patil, the Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs.
Baramani had a long tenure as a police inspector in Gadag, which is also Minister Patil’s home district, and the two are known to have a close relationship.
Patil ultimately succeeded in persuading Baramani to return to his duties and not to pursue his resignation, as per sources.
In his resignation letter, Baramani expressed, 'Chief Minister Siddaramaiah raised his hand at me in a threatening manner, attempting to strike me. I instinctively stepped back and narrowly avoided being slapped.'
'It is alarming for a Chief Minister to publicly insult an officer. If I, with 31 years of service as an Additional SP, must endure such humiliation, one can only fathom the situation of officers in lower ranks. I view this as a public insult and submit my resignation in protest against the Chief Minister’s conduct,' he alleged.
'Relatives and former colleagues have reached out to voice their outrage. I was so distressed that I did not leave my home. My family was devastated upon seeing me. We couldn’t communicate; the day passed in silence. Neither the Chief Minister nor any officer from his government or my department attempted to console me. Even my colleagues did not show moral support or solidarity. This deeply affected my emotional well-being,' the Additional SP stated.
Baramani had submitted his resignation on June 12. The incident in question took place on April 28 in Belagavi during a Congress convention.