The Karnataka IAS Officers’ Association has issued a strong condemnation of BJP MLC N Ravikumar for making derogatory remarks against Ms. Fouzia Taranum, a 2015-batch IAS officer serving as Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Kalaburagi. In a statement shared on platform X, the association labeled Ravikumar’s comments as “baseless, unjustified, and entirely irrational.”
The association praised Ms. Taranum as “an officer of impeccable integrity, with an outstanding track record and a deep commitment to public service and the State.” It further stated that such remarks not only harm the dignity of civil servants but also amount to harassment and cause severe mental distress in the line of duty.
The controversy stems from a BJP protest held on May 24 under the ‘Kalaburagi Chalo’ banner, where Ravikumar accused the district administration of operating under the influence of the Congress party. He questioned the neutrality of the Deputy Commissioner and made a provocative statement, saying, “I don’t know whether the DC has come from Pakistan or is an IAS officer here.”
The IAS association demanded an unconditional apology from Ravikumar for his “irresponsible and unacceptable” comments. It also urged legal action against him for spreading misinformation and attempting to undermine the authority and dignity of a public servant. The association reiterated that “civil servants must be allowed to discharge their duties without fear, bias, or undue political pressure,” and pledged its full support to any officer facing such unfair targeting.
Following a formal complaint by Kalaburagi Samudaya president Dattatraya Ikkalaki, the Kalaburagi police have filed an FIR against Ravikumar. The charges include offenses under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for promoting enmity, criminal intimidation, public mischief, and violations under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The complaint accuses Ravikumar of inciting communal hatred and using offensive language against law enforcement officers.
Ms. Fouzia Taranum has not made any public statement regarding the incident. She was recently honored with the Best Electoral Practices Award for her outstanding work in election management, voter awareness, and inclusive electoral participation during the 2023 Assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha elections
