Dharwad Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Narayana Bharamani has submitted his voluntary retirement letter after being publicly humiliated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during a Congress protest meeting in Belagavi. The incident, which drew sharp criticism, has now escalated into a political flashpoint.
Sources confirmed that Bharamani’s two-page resignation letter cites the mental anguish caused by the public reprimand as his reason for seeking early exit. During the protest event, BJP workers waved black flags, prompting a visibly irate CM to summon Bharamani onto the stage and scold him in front of the crowd—raising his hand in disapproval, a move many called disrespectful to a uniformed officer.
The video of the incident went viral, drawing backlash across social media. Critics slammed the CM for undermining police morale and setting a harmful precedent. BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra questioned the CM’s attitude, suggesting that such behaviour could reflect poorly on the government’s treatment of its officers.
Senior police officials are now urging Bharamani to withdraw his resignation, fearing that the controversy could damage the government’s image and morale within the force. The officer has yet to make a final decision.
The episode has sparked broader conversations about leadership conduct, dignity of service personnel, and the importance of upholding respect for those enforcing law and order under trying conditions.