The Karnataka IAS Officers’ Association has strongly condemned remarks made by BJP MLC N Ravikumar against senior IAS officer Fouzia Taranum, currently serving as the Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Kalaburagi. In a letter posted on X, the IAS Officers’ Association described the comments as “baseless, unjustified and entirely devoid of rationale.”
It said, “Ms. Fouzia Taranum, IAS is an officer of impeccable integrity with an exemplary track record and deep dedication to public service and the State.” The letter added that such remarks not only malign IAS officers, but also inflict severe mental trauma and amount to harassment in the line of duty.
During a BJP protest on May 24 as part of its 'Kalaburagi Chalo' event, Ravikumar alleged that the district administration was functioning under the Congress party’s influence. “The Kalaburagi DC office has also lost its independence. The DC madam is also listening to what they (Congress) say. I don't know whether the DC has come from Pakistan or is an IAS officer here,” he had said.
The association has demanded an unconditional apology from Ravikumar for the “irresponsible and unacceptable comments,” and called for authorities to register a case against him under appropriate legal provisions for spreading misinformation and attempting to undermine the dignity of a serving district magistrate. “Civil servants must be allowed to carry out their responsibilities without fear, prejudice or undue pressure,” the letter said, adding that the association will stand by all officers who are targeted unfairly.
Meanwhile, Kalaburagi police have registered a case against Ravikumar following a complaint filed by Kalaburagi Samudaya president Dattatraya Ikkalaki. The FIR includes charges under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, such as Sections 197 (imputations prejudicial to national integration), 224 (threat of injury to public servant), 299 and 302 (outraging religious feelings), 351 (criminal intimidation), 353 (public mischief), and provisions under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The complaint accuses Ravikumar of inciting hatred against Muslims and using derogatory language towards police officers.
Fouzia Taranum has not made any public statement about the controversy. She was recently recognised with the Best Electoral Practices award for her exemplary role in election management, voter education, and inclusivity during the 2023 Assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.