Key Points :
- Narayan Venkappa Baramani is an Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Dharwad district, Karnataka, with over 31 years of service in the Karnataka State Police, starting as a sub-inspector in 1994.
- His career has been marked by dedication to maintaining law and order, though specific achievements or awards are not widely documented in public sources.
- In April 2025, Baramani faced public humiliation during a Congress rally in Belagavi when Chief Minister Siddaramaiah raised his hand as if to slap him over a security lapse, leading to significant controversy.
- Citing irreparable damage to his self-respect, Baramani sought voluntary retirement (VRS) in June 2025, a decision he has refused to withdraw despite appeals from the state government.
- Rumors of political ambitions with the BJP have surfaced, but Baramani has denied these claims, emphasizing his resignation was due to personal dignity.
Who is ASP Narayan Baramani?
Narayan Venkappa Baramani serves as the Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Dharwad district, Karnataka. With a career spanning over three decades, he has risen through the ranks of the Karnataka State Police, starting as a sub-inspector in 1994. His role involves overseeing law enforcement operations, ensuring public safety, and managing security for high-profile events in the district.
The Belagavi Incident
On April 28, 2025, during a Congress rally in Belagavi, Baramani was publicly reprimanded by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah after BJP activists disrupted the event. The incident, widely circulated on social media, led Baramani to seek voluntary retirement, citing public humiliation. Despite efforts by the government to persuade him to stay, he remains firm in his decision, highlighting concerns about bureaucratic dignity.
Current Status
As of July 2025, Baramani is awaiting the government’s decision on his VRS request. His stand has sparked discussions about the relationship between political leaders and civil servants, making his story a focal point in Karnataka’s public discourse.
From Dedication to Discontent: The Inspiring Yet Controversial Journey of ASP Narayan Baramani
Narayan Venkappa Baramani, a seasoned officer of the Karnataka State Police, has served as the Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Dharwad district, leaving an indelible mark through his over three-decade-long career. Known for his steadfast commitment to law enforcement, Baramani’s journey has been one of quiet dedication, overshadowed in recent times by a high-profile controversy that led to his decision to seek voluntary retirement. This biography delves into his career, the pivotal incident that thrust him into the public eye, and the broader implications of his stand for bureaucratic dignity in India.
Early Life and Entry into the Police Force
Details about Narayan Venkappa Baramani’s early life, including his birthplace, family background, and education, remain largely private, as is common for many career police officers whose public profiles focus on their professional contributions. Born in Karnataka, Baramani grew up in a state known for its dynamic socio-political landscape. His decision to join the Karnataka State Police in 1994 as a sub-inspector marked the beginning of a career defined by discipline and service.
As a sub-inspector, Baramani would have been involved in grassroots law enforcement tasks, such as patrolling, investigating minor crimes, and maintaining public order. His early years likely required him to navigate the challenges of policing in a diverse and rapidly developing state, honing skills that would pave the way for his ascent through the ranks.
Career Progression in the Karnataka State Police
Over the course of his 31-year career, Baramani demonstrated resilience and professionalism, rising from sub-inspector to Additional Superintendent of Police in Dharwad district by 2025. The role of an ASP in the Karnataka State Police is significant, involving oversight of law and order, coordination with subordinate officers, and management of police operations across multiple stations in the district. Baramani’s responsibilities included ensuring public safety, handling criminal investigations, and managing security for high-profile events, a task that would later place him at the center of a public controversy.
While specific details about his career achievements, such as notable cases solved or awards received, are not widely documented in public sources, his long tenure suggests a consistent record of service. The Karnataka State Police, established in 1965 and headquartered in Bengaluru, operates under the Department of Home Affairs and is known for its structured hierarchy, with roles like ASP requiring both operational expertise and leadership skills. Baramani’s progression to this rank indicates his ability to meet these demands over decades of service.
| Career Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| Joined Karnataka State Police | 1994, as a Sub-Inspector |
| Current Position | Additional Superintendent of Police, Dharwad District (as of 2025) |
| Years of Service | 31 years (1994–2025) |
| Key Responsibilities | Overseeing law and order, managing security for events, coordinating police operations |
The Belagavi Incident: A Career-Defining Moment
The trajectory of Baramani’s career took a dramatic turn on April 28, 2025, during a Congress rally titled “Save Constitution” at CPEd Grounds in Belagavi. The event, organized to protest rising prices under the central government, was disrupted by a group of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) women activists who waved black flags and shouted slogans against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Congress party. Baramani, assigned to manage security around the main stage, became the focal point of the Chief Minister’s frustration.
Visibly angered by the security lapse, Siddaramaiah summoned Baramani to the dais and publicly reprimanded him, demanding to know why BJP workers were allowed into the rally. In a moment captured on video and widely circulated on social media, the Chief Minister raised his hand as if to slap Baramani, though he stopped short of physical contact. The incident, reported by outlets such as The Hindu and News18, sparked widespread criticism, with opposition parties and activists condemning Siddaramaiah’s actions as inappropriate and humiliating.
Baramani, who maintained that the security breach was not his fault, felt deeply insulted by the public reprimand. In a three-page resignation letter addressed 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.” His decision to seek voluntary retirement (VRS) in June 2025, with four years of service remaining before superannuation, underscored the depth of his sense of injustice.
Political Speculation and Public Reaction
The Belagavi incident ignited a political firestorm, with opposition parties, including the BJP and Janata Dal (Secular), criticizing Siddaramaiah’s conduct. An RTI activist, Bhimappa Gadad, filed a complaint against the Chief Minister on June 12, 2025, alleging that his actions were unconstitutional and instilled fear among government officials. The controversy also fueled speculation about Baramani’s future, with rumors suggesting he might be an aspirant for a BJP ticket in the Belagavi North or Belagavi Rural Assembly constituencies. Baramani, however, firmly denied these claims, emphasizing that his resignation was a matter of personal dignity, not political ambition.
Despite repeated efforts by the Karnataka government, including personal appeals from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister G. Parameshwara, Baramani refused to withdraw his resignation. Home Minister Parameshwara, in a statement on July 2, 2025, indicated that the government would not accept Baramani’s VRS and planned to offer him a new posting, but Baramani remained steadfast, citing irreparable damage to his self-respect.
The incident has been viewed by many as a test of accountability in public office, highlighting tensions between political leaders and civil servants. Baramani’s firm stand has drawn attention to the broader issue of bureaucratic dignity, with commentators noting that his resignation, if accepted, could set a precedent for how public officials are treated by political authorities.
Current Status and Legacy
As of July 2025, Narayan Baramani is awaiting the Karnataka government’s decision on his voluntary retirement request. His case remains a focal point in public discourse, with media outlets like Deccan Herald and Times of India reporting on the ongoing controversy. The incident has not only affected Baramani personally but has also sparked discussions about the need for mutual respect between political leaders and civil servants.
Baramani’s career, though not extensively documented in terms of specific achievements, reflects the dedication of countless police officers who work tirelessly to maintain law and order. His decision to prioritize his dignity over continuing his service underscores the human element in public administration, where personal integrity often intersects with professional duty.
Conclusion
Narayan Venkappa Baramani’s journey in the Karnataka State Police is a story of resilience, service, and a stand for self-respect. From his beginnings as a sub-inspector in 1994 to his role as ASP in Dharwad, he has exemplified the commitment required of law enforcement officers. The Belagavi incident, while a low point, has brought to light critical issues about the treatment of civil servants in India. As Baramani awaits the outcome of his VRS request, his legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of dignity, accountability, and respect in public service.