Karnataka: IAS Officers’ Association demands apology from N Ravikumar

Bengaluru: The IAS Officers’ Association, Karnataka, on Monday strongly condemned the irresponsible and defamatory remarks made by BJP Chief Whip in the Legislative Council N Ravikumar against Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Tarannum.

The Association has demanded an unconditional apology from the MLC and urged the authorities concerned to initiate legal proceedings against him.

In an official statement, the Association described Tarannum as an officer of “impeccable integrity” with an exemplary track record and a deep commitment to public service. The statement called the comments made by Kumar as “baseless, unjustified, and entirely devoid of rationale.”

The Association expressed serious concern that such provocative and false statements not only malign the dignity of dedicated civil servants but also cause severe mental trauma, amounting to harassment in the line
of duty.

The Association also emphasised that civil servants must be able to perform their duties without fear, prejudice, or undue pressure, underscoring their commitment to protecting the dignity and integrity of the civil service in Karnataka.

During the BJP-organised ‘Kalaburagi Chalo’ protest rally on May 24, he accused the district administration of functioning under the influence of the ruling Congress government. Further, questioning the independence of the deputy commissioner, he had controversially implied that she “might have come from Pakistan,” sparking widespread outrage.