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6 days ago
- Politics
- Scroll.in
Karnataka HC tells BJP MLC to apologise for saying deputy commissioner ‘may have come from Pakistan'
The Karnataka High Court on Thursday directed Bharatiya Janata Party MLC N Ravi Kumar to tender a personal apology to Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum for saying that she 'may have come from Pakistan', Bar and Bench reported. Taranum is a 2015 cadre Indian Administrative Service officer. Justice Suraj Govindaraj verbally directed Kumar to apologise to Taranum for his statements and postponed the hearing on his petition challenging the first information report against him to June 6, The Hindu reported. 'Make your apologies to the lady in question, make her accept the apology, place it on record, we will consider then,' Bar and Bench quoted Govindaraj as having said. The court also said that Kumar should have learned from the recent criticism faced by BJP leader Vijay Shah for his communal remarks purportedly targeting Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. Shah had on May 13 said that those who had widowed the daughters of India were taught a lesson by Prime Minister Narendra Modi 'by sending the sister from their own community'. The BJP leader repeated the remark immediately after saying it the first time. While he did not name a person, Opposition parties had alleged that the minister was alluding to Qureshi, one of the official spokespersons during the foreign ministry and defence ministry's media briefings relating to Operation Sindoor. In the current matter, Kumar, who is the the chief whip of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, made the comment about Taranum on May 24 at a rally organised by the Hindutva Party in Kalaburagi against the alleged mistreatment of BJP MLC Chalavadi Narayanaswamy in Chittapur. On May 21, Congress workers had reportedly blockaded a government guest house and did not allow Narayanaswamy to come out. This came after he allegedly likened Priyank Kharge, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's son and Karnataka minister, to a 'dog'. Speaking at a rally on May 24, Kumar had claimed that the deputy commissioner's office in Kalaburagi had lost its independence. Taranum only listened to what the Congress said, he alleged. 'I do not know whether she comes from Pakistan or is an IAS officer here,' The Indian Express quoted Kumar as having said. 'Listening to your applause, I think she might have come from Pakistan.' On Monday, the Karnataka Police filed a first information report against Kumar for his statements. The BJP MLC was booked under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita pertaining to assertions prejudicial to national integration, threat of injury to a public servant, acts intended to outrage religious feelings, uttering words with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings, criminal intimidation and statements that could lead to public mischief. At the hearing on Thursday, Kumar's lawyer told the court that he had already apologised for his remarks and requested interim protection from arrest. The counsel for the state government, on the other hand, assured the court that Kumar would not be arrested if he cooperated with the investigation, Bar and Bench reported. The court instructed the state government to provide relevant video footage of the incident and directed Kumar's lawyer to submit an affidavit formally recording his apology.
Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Karnataka govt mulls legal action against BJP's Ravikumar over his comments against IAS officer; MLC says he has apologised
The Karnataka Government will explore legal action against BJP MLC N Ravikumar for his controversial remarks against IAS officer and Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said Tuesday. This came a day after the Kalaburagi police booked Ravikumar for the comments he made against the award-winning 2015-cadre IAS officer during a protest rally held in the city last Saturday. The First Information Report (FIR) was filed based on a complaint filed by a Kalaburagi resident at the Station Bazar Police Station. Responding to media queries, Shivakumar said there was no option but to initiate legal action against Ravikumar. 'The government and the party will take it very seriously,' he said as he demanded a response from Leader of Opposition R Ashok and BJP state president B Y Vijayendra. 'This is not a small issue. The entire Karnataka government stands behind her,' the DyCM said, adding that a lot of IAS officers had met him earlier in the day over the remarks made by the BJP MLC. Ravikumar was booked for his remarks that Taranum 'might have come from Pakistan'. In videos that went viral on social media, he can be heard saying, 'The DC madam is listening to what they (the Kharge family) say. I don't know whether she comes from Pakistan or is an IAS officer here. Listening to your applause, I think she might have come from Pakistan,' Ravikumar said during the protest. When contacted, Ravikumar told The Indian Express he had apologised for his remarks made against the IAS officer, adding that a detailed letter of apology would be issued soon. BJP state president Vijayendra said Ravikumar had already apologised for the incident. 'This is a closed chapter,' he said. The IAS Officers' Association in Karnataka condemned Ravikumar's remarks, and said it stood in solidarity with the officer. Taranum was one of the 22 recipients of the Best Electoral Practices Award conferred by the President of India in January this year. The IAS officer also won the Excellence in Governance Award, distributed by The Indian Express, earlier this year in the category of Jury Special Awards for comprehensive development in the district. She was awarded for her initiative in marketing Kalaburagi Rotti as a brand and reintroducing millet as a staple in the region.
Scroll.in
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Scroll.in
Karnataka BJP MLC booked for saying deputy commissioner ‘may have come from Pakistan'
The Karnataka Police on Monday filed a first information report against Bharatiya Janata Party MLC N Ravi Kumar for saying that Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum 'may have come from Pakistan', The Indian Express reported. Taranum, a 2015 cadre Indian Administrative Service officer, was a recipient of the best electoral practices award conferred by the president in January. The Karnataka Indian Administrative Service Officers' Association has condemned Kumar's remark. Kumar, the chief whip of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, made the comment at a rally organised by the Hindutva Party in Kalaburagi on Saturday against the alleged mistreatment of BJP MLC Chalavadi Narayanaswamy in Chittapur on May 21, NDTV reported. Congress workers reportedly blockaded a government guest house and did not allow Narayanaswamy to come out. This came after the MLC allegedly likened Priyank Kharge, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge's son and Karnataka minister, to a 'dog', according to The Indian Express. Speaking at Saturday's rally, Kumar claimed that the deputy commissioner's office in Kalaburagi had lost its independence. Taranum only listened to what the Congress said, he alleged. 'I do not know whether she comes from Pakistan or is an IAS officer here,' The Indian Express quoted Kumar as having said. 'Listening to your applause, I think she might have come from Pakistan.' Videos of the BJP MLC's speech were circulated widely on social media. On Monday, Kumar was booked under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita pertaining to assertions prejudicial to national integration, threat of injury to a public servant, acts intended to outrage religious feelings, uttering words with deliberate intent to wound religious feelings, criminal intimidation and statements that could lead to public mischief. Priyank Kharge, who is an MLA from a constituency in Kalaburagi district, condemned Kumar's statements saying: 'The knowledge of BJP leaders doesn't go beyond Pakistan, [and] Muslim.' We strongly condemn the remarks made by Shri Ravi Kumar, MLC, against @DCKalaburagi @Fouzia_Taranum at a public function. DC's integrity & commitment to work is impeccable & her dedication to public service is irrefutable. IASOA will stand by officers who are targeted unjustly. — IAS Officers' Association, Karnataka (@IASOAKarnataka) May 26, 2025 The Karnataka IAS Officers' Association said that Kumar's statements were 'deplorable' and 'unacceptable'. It was an attempt to publicly undermine Taranum's reputation, the association 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,' it added. 'Remarks made by Ravikumar against her are baseless, unjustified and entirely devoid of rationale.' Such 'provocative and false statements' not only malign IAS officers but also inflict severe mental trauma and amount to harassment in the line of duty, said the association. It demanded an unconditional apology from Kumar and urged the authorities to register a case against him under relevant provisions 'for the deliberate dissemination of misinformation and for attempting to denigrate the stature of an officer holding the responsible office of district magistrate'.
The Hindu
21-05-2025
- The Hindu
Officials told to swiftly file FIRs against those involved in child marriage activities
Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum has directed officials to immediately file First Information Reports (FIRs) and initiate legal action against those involved in child marriage activities across Kalaburagi district. Chairing a progress review meeting at her office here on Wednesday, Ms. Taranum instructed all authorities concerned to register cases related to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (PoCSO) Act and child marriage without yielding to any political influence. Officers told the meeting that 43 cases of child marriage have been reported across various taluks between January and April 2025. Officials also told the meeting on the specifics of each case. Regarding PoCSO Act cases registered in the city during the same period, the Deputy Commissioner sought updates from the police and sought proactive steps to be taken to curb such incidents. Officials reported 12 PoCSO Act cases under investigation in the city with charge-sheets already filed in court by the police. Ms. Taranum emphasised the importance of PoCSO Act awareness workshops in government and private schools and colleges to help students understand the law and prevent offences involving minors. 658 cases The District Child Welfare Committee (CWC) told the meeting that it has handled 658 cases between January and April 2025. These include matters involving child marriage, sexual abuse, runaway children, child labour, beggary, orphans and children of single parents. The officers added that from 2024 to April 2025, Childlines (1098 and 112) received 237 calls, all of which were attended to promptly. Ms. Taranum highlighted that information about the Childlines must be prominently displayed in all educational institutions. Adoptions, COVID-hit Officer told the meeting that as part of the 2024-25 adoption programme, 11 children — five boys and six girls — have been placed with adoptive families through the government's online system available at Three of these adoptions involved girls placed with international families. Special attention was drawn to orphans affected by COVID-19. Children who lost both parents and are now in the care of relatives are receiving support under the Chief Minister's Baal Seva Yojana, with eligible children getting ₹3,500 per month via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Two of the children are currently benefiting from the scheme and those who complete Class 10 under it will also be provided with laptops for higher education. The meeting reviewed the functioning of government-run child care institutions registered under the Juvenile Justice Act. NGOs were instructed to ensure basic amenities and promptly report any issues to the authorities. Calling for a collective approach, Ms. Taranum urged officials, elected representatives and the public to work together to raise awareness and prevent child rights violations. Senior civil judge and secretary of the District Legal Services Authority Srinivas Navale stressed the need for the police to respond swiftly to public grievances and ensure justice through accountability and integrity. The meeting was attended by Zilla Panchayat CEO Bhanwar Singh Meena, Municipal Commissioner Avinash Shinde, Child Welfare Police Officer Chandrashekar, RCH Officer Sidramappa Patil, Women and Child Welfare Deputy Director Rajkumar Rathod and various child development officials and NGO representatives.
The Hindu
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Students told to never give up till they reach their goal
Sharing deeply personal accounts of perseverance and grit, Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum and Police Commissioner S.D. Sharanappa motivated a large gathering of students and parents during the 23rd edition of The Hindu EducationPlus Career Counselling event at the Poojya Doddappa Appa Sabha Mantapa, SB College Campus (Sharnbasva University), Kalaburagi on Sunday. 'Don't assume that lack of money, exposure, influence, academic environment or fluency in English will prevent you from achieving your dreams. All these things, indeed, don't matter before your determined mind. None of us is born a Deputy Commissioner. We faced the same struggles that many of you are facing today. With a positive mindset and hard work, nothing can stop you from reaching your goals,' Ms. Taranum said. Reflecting on her upbringing, Ms. Taranum described herself as an overprotected child with limited exposure. 'I didn't attend any elite or so-called prestigious schools with specific career goals. My parents insisted I go to an all-girls school near our house. I only entered a co-educational institution during my post-graduation. My parents were unaware of the broader academic landscape but my schoolteachers stepped in to guide me,' she said. Ms. Taranum recounted how she left no stone unturned while preparing for the UPSC exams, especially as her decision to pursue Civil Services went against her family's wishes. 'I cleared both prelims and mains with good scores on my first attempt but faltered in the interview due to nervousness. I accepted a post in the Indian Revenue Service (IRS), but the dream of joining the IAS was still alive in me. I secretly prepared again while working as an IRS officer and cleared the exam with an all-India rank of 31,' she said. Choking with emotion, she added, 'I was afraid to inform my grandfather, but he was overjoyed when I finally achieved my goal.' She urged parents to support their children, especially daughters, in their academic and career aspirations. Earlier, Mr. Sharanappa narrated his struggles and hardships during his college days describing himself as 'an aimless and confused wanderer' in his early years. 'I simply fell in line with others with no specific career goal. After completing II PU, I enrolled in in Agriculture. At one point, I doubted whether I could even secure a scholarship for post-graduation. But with encouragement from those around me, I passed the ICAR exam and pursued a master's degree, eventually beginning a Ph.D. The decision to attempt the Civil Services came much later. If someone like me, who had no clear direction and made the decision quite late, could crack the UPSC exam, so can each one of you,' he said, urging students to never give up, regardless of the challenges they face. He credited The Hindu newspaper for playing a significant role in building his general knowledge and awareness of current affairs during his preparation and encouraged students to make it part of their study routine. President of the Kalyana Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sharanabasappa M. Pappa commended The Hindu for its consistent efforts to support students in Tier-II cities through career counselling initiatives. Chartered Accountant Sumit R. Bharadia, who is secretary of the Kalaburagi Branch of the Southern India Regional Council (SIRC) of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, offered insights into becoming a Chartered Accountant. 'The Chartered Accountant course is one of the most affordable and highly rewarding. It is in great demand, well-paid and recognised in over 100 countries. All you need is patience and hard work,' he said. Member of the National Executive Council of the Indian Society for Technical Education (New Delhi) S.B. Sangappa outlined diverse courses and career paths in engineering. Director of the Kalaburagi Regional Centre of Visvesvaraya Technological University Shambu Lingappa highlighted postgraduate opportunities across disciplines. UPSC exam coach and career counsellor from CIGMA Syed Sadath Pasha elaborated on a wide array of career options beyond medicine and engineering. Senior Grade Lecturer at Government Polytechnic Kalaburagi and former KEA Nodal Officer Nagaraj M. provided a detailed explanation of the CET process. The Hindu Career Counselling Handbook, which contains detailed information on various career options, entrance exams, and top educational institutions, was given to every student who attended the event.
