RTI Act activist Bhimappa Gadad submitting police complaint against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Belagavi on Thursday
Credit: Bhimappa Gadad
Belagavi: Right to Information (RTI) activist Bhimappa Gadad has filed a complaint against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, alleging that he raised his hand at Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Narayan Baramani during a protest held by the Congress party at CPEd Grounds in Dharwad on April 28, 2025. The protest was organised to oppose the rising prices under the central government.
In a complaint submitted to the Camp Police Station on Thursday, Gadad stated that as the Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah is expected to be the voice of the people and motivate officials to carry out their duties effectively. However, he accused Siddaramaiah of using “cheap” language and attempting to assault a uniformed police officer — a conduct he termed unconstitutional. Gadad added that the incident has instilled fear among government officials.
Citing Section 132 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, Gadad noted that assault or use of criminal force against a public servant to deter them from performing their duty is a punishable offence. The law provides for imprisonment of up to two years, a fine, or both.
The complaint includes video footage and media reports related to the incident. Gadad has demanded that a case be registered against Siddaramaiah.
He also mentioned that he has filed a separate complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Delhi, urging the commission to investigate the Chief Minister’s actions.