Karnataka BJP MLC calls Muslim IAS officer Fouzia Taranum ‘Pakistani’, police case filed

Bengaluru: A political storm has erupted in Karnataka after BJP MLC N Ravikumar made a controversial communal remark against Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum, a Muslim IAS officer. During a BJP protest outside her office, Ravikumar questioned whether she was “from Pakistan,” sparking immediate outrage and legal action.

The protest was held over the alleged mistreatment of Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, who was reportedly confined in a government guest house by Congress workers during a visit to Chittapur on May 21.

This was seen as a response to Narayanaswamy’s earlier controversial comment comparing Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge to a dog.

Amid the protest, Ravikumar said, “I don’t know whether the Kalaburagi DC has come from Pakistan or is an IAS officer here. Seeing your applause, it looks like she has indeed come from Pakistan.”

The statement drew sharp criticism for its communal tone and for questioning the patriotism of a civil servant based on her religious identity.

Priyank Kharge calls out ‘hateful mindset’

Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge, son of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, strongly condemned Ravikumar’s remark, calling it “highly distasteful” and dangerous.

“This is the kind of divisive speech BJP leaders are making across the country. Targeting a respected officer like this is unacceptable. Can people who speak this way even be called true Indians?” Kharge asked, calling such comments “anti-social.”

FIR registered

Following public outrage, a Kalaburagi resident, Dattatreya, lodged a police complaint. An FIR has been registered against Ravikumar under various legal sections, including those related to promoting enmity, threatening a public servant, hurting religious sentiments, and laws protecting Scheduled Castes and Tribes.