Narayan Baramani, who sought VRS after CM Siddaramaiah's slap gesture, posted as DCP Belagavi

BELAGAVI: Police officer Narayan Baramani , against whom chief minister Siddaramaiah allegedly made a slap gesture and who made headlines for seeking voluntary retirement (VRS) because of the incident, has been posted as deputy commissioner of police (law and order) of Belagavi city.Baramani, previously additional SP, Dharwad district, submitted his VRS papers earlier this month although the controversial incident occurred in April during a Congress rally in Belagavi. Siddaramaiah, reportedly frustrated by a disruption caused by BJP women activists, had summoned Baramani to the rostrum and had gestured as if to slap him but held himself back.In a video, Baramani, citing “humiliation, personal dignity and professional respect”, had sought VRS.

The video garnered widespread public and media attention. However, after discussions with both Siddaramaiah and home minister G Parameshwara, Baramani decided to continue in service.His recent transfer to Belagavi as DCP is seen in administrative circles as a compensatory move, possibly in recognition of the public embarrassment he faced during the rally.Baramani is no stranger to Belagavi. Over his 31-year career in the police force, he served some seven to eight years at Belagavi in various capacities, including as circle inspector of Market Police Station and assistant commissioner. He is especially remembered for his effective handling of the 2014 unrest following the court-mandated removal of the ‘Yallur in Maharashtra’ signboard — a sensitive issue in the region.With four years left for his offcial retirement, Baramani’s return to Belagavi is viewed with interest, esepcially by citizens who recall his decisive leadership during tense times.