Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLC N Ravikumar from Karnataka was booked following a complaint about his alleged "Pakistani" remark against Kalaburagi deputy commissioner Fouzia Tarannum. The comment was reportedly made during a BJP protest on May 24, according to police on Tuesday. Ravikumar later expressed regret, calling it a “slip of the tongue” and withdrew his statement. The IAS Officers' Association supported Fouzia Tarannum amid the controversy.

Ravikumar had accused the IAS officer of acting under Congress party influence and reportedly said, “She seems to have come from Pakistan.” A case has been registered against him at Station Bazaar police station, and an investigation is underway.

The IAS Officers' Association condemned the remark and demanded an “unconditional apology” from Ravikumar, calling his comments "irresponsible and unacceptable." The association praised Fouzia Tarannum for her integrity, exemplary record, and commitment to public service. They said Ravikumar’s statements were baseless and provocative, harming the dignity of civil servants and causing mental distress, which they termed harassment.

The association expressed strong solidarity with Tarannum and voiced concern over attempts to tarnish the reputation of a dedicated officer serving Karnataka’s public.

Ravikumar issued a statement expressing deep regret for his "intemperate but inadvertent" remarks. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the statement as “intolerable” and said it promotes hatred, noting the police have registered a criminal case against Ravikumar.

Fouzia Tarannum chose not to respond directly to the controversy, stating, “I would rather let my work speak for itself,” and continued her administrative duties.

About Fouzia Tarannum:
Fouzia Tarannum is a 2015-batch IAS officer serving as the deputy commissioner and district magistrate of Kalaburagi district, Karnataka. She has been honoured for her exceptional public service, including receiving the Best Electoral Practices Award from the President of India in January 2025 for her role in managing electoral rolls during the 2024 elections. Initially selected for the Indian Revenue Service in 2011, she fulfilled her ambition to join the IAS in 2014. Her dedication is further reflected in initiatives like branding Kalaburagi Rotti and reintroducing millet as a staple food, which earned her the Excellence in Governance Award.