Government employees across Kalaburagi are voicing their strong condemnation following a disturbing incident where a Public Works Department (PWD) official was publicly humiliated. On Friday, members of the Karnataka State Government Employees’ Association gathered outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office to protest the actions of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike activists, who had smeared black paint on the face of Amin Mukhtar, a Superintending Engineer.
Basavaraj Ballondagi, the district president of the employees’ association, expressed deep concern, stating that such incidents foster a climate of fear among government officials. He alleged that certain individuals, identified as “anti-social elements,” are intentionally harassing public servants, often demanding unnecessary information or money without legitimate cause.
The association presented a formal memorandum to Deputy Commissioner Fauzia Tarannum, urging prompt and decisive action against the activists. Their primary demand is to hold accountable those who attempted to tarnish an official’s reputation through such an aggressive act.
The incident on Thursday unfolded when Karnataka Rakshana Vedike members visited the Kalaburagi Urban Development Authority (KUDA) office. They were there to inquire about the removal of a Kannada language sign board from the Kanni Market arch in the M.S.K. Mill area. When KUDA authorities clarified that the tender for the work had been awarded to the PWD, the activists confronted Mr. Mukhtar upon his arrival at the office. In a heated exchange, they accused him of being responsible for the removal of the Kannada name board and proceeded to smear black paint on his face.
Authorities have since taken action. The Station Bazar police have registered a formal complaint against 20 members of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, leading to the arrest of 11 individuals involved in the incident.