Bengaluru: The political climate in Karnataka has intensified following the arrest of BJP Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) CT Ravi, with the party officially lodging a complaint against the state government at the Raj Bhavan. BJP leaders, led by Opposition Leader R Ashok, have accused the government of unjust treatment and misuse of power regarding allegations made by Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar against Ravi.
In a formal meeting with Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot, the BJP delegation expressed serious concerns about the process and circumstances surrounding Ravi’s arrest. This action by the BJP comes right after the state government handed over the investigation to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), raising eyebrows about the timing and implications of the government’s decision.
The BJP leaders present at the Raj Bhavan included prominent figures such as Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, BJP MLAs Janardhana Reddy, CK Ramamurthy, S Raghu, and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai from Haveri constituency. They collectively condemned the government’s actions and called for an immediate investigation into the perceived constitutional violations that occurred during the arrest.
In a statement to the media after the meeting, R. Ashok criticized the handling of the situation, claiming there was a blatant violation of constitutional rights during Ravi’s arrest. He stated, “The police department has misused its power, and we are calling on the Governor to conduct a thorough inquiry into this matter.”
Ashok described the circumstances under which C.T. Ravi was arrested as troubling, particularly highlighting that he was allegedly subjected to police torture and was made to wander aimlessly for hours in a bewildering manner. He remarked sarcastically that the government has inadvertently implied that “forests and sugarcane fields are safer than police stations,” implying that the law enforcement agencies have failed in their duties. “This government has become a laughing stock,” he added.
The Home Minister’s claim that all actions were taken without the Chief Minister’s knowledge further fueled the BJP’s allegations of inept governance. Ashok emphasised the need for C.T. Ravi to be granted protection during this investigation and for the process to remain transparent. He reiterated the importance of accountability within the police force, suggesting that if authorities somehow tracked phone calls, it would reveal the individuals orchestrating these events behind the scenes.
The BJP’s legal strategy against the state government is gaining momentum, as C.T. Ravi has also filed formal complaints with multiple officials, including the Legislative Council Speaker, the Home Department, and the Directors General of Police (DGP) and the Inspector General of Police (IGP). In his five-page complaint, Ravi recounted the events of December 19, when he was arrested at Suvarna Soudha, and alleged that he was unlawfully detained and transported between various police stations throughout the night before being presented in court the next day.
The controversy stems from allegations that CT Ravi verbally abused Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar during the winter session of the legislature in Belagavi. Following her complaint, Hirebagewadi police acted swiftly, leading to Ravi’s arrest, which BJP leaders now claim was an abuse of legal protocol. They have condemned the police’s conduct as a complete disregard for lawful procedure, claiming the rights of an elected official were trampled in the process.
In light of these events, the BJP is not only seeking justice for CT Ravi but is also positioning itself to challenge what it characterizes as increasingly authoritarian governance by the ruling party. The party’s leaders call for a judicial inquiry into the entire episode, emphasizing the need to uphold democratic principles and protect the rights of lawmakers against what they deem political persecution.
Case handed over to CID: Home Minister
The ongoing investigation into the CT Ravi case has already been handed over to the CID, and there will be limited commentary on the specifics of the case while the inquiry is underway, stated Home Minister G. Parameshwara. Speaking to reporters at the city airport on Tuesday , he responded to queries regarding the Speaker’s assertion that the CT Ravi case is a “closed chapter.”
Parameshwara emphasised the importance of letting the authorities carry out their duties, stating, “The Speaker is doing his job, and the police will carry out their responsibilities. The statements made may have considered the contextual factors at play. Although legal processes may take time, a thorough and proper investigation must be conducted to ascertain the truth of the case.”
He also commented on CT Ravi’s denial of making disparaging remarks towards Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, noting that Ravi claims the comments were made by individuals seated nearby. “All these matters have already been transferred to the CID for investigation,” he confirmed.
Addressing concerns over delays in filing cases against those who allegedly assaulted C.T. Ravi, Parameshwara acknowledged that certain delays could occur for various reasons but urged that investigations should progress efficiently.
When questioned about allegations of interference within the Home Department, Parameshwara clarified the police department’s autonomy, stating, “The police department is a responsible entity; they only comply with orders from the Chief Minister or the Home Minister. Any orders from others will not be adhered to. We operate within the framework of the law and cannot be swayed by individual complaints.”
Council chairperson Basavaraja Horatti reacts
The C.T. Ravi case being handed over to the CID falls within the jurisdiction of the state government. This will not come under our jurisdiction, and we are not to be questioned about it. It pertains to an incident that occurred when it was placed before the House,” stated council Chairperson Basavaraj Horatti.
The Home Minister has indicated that the case has been assigned to the CID. “We will discuss the matter of the spot mahajar (investigation) as well. If such an atmosphere is created, then we must be afforded the opportunity. Our Secretary and legal experts are already in discussions. We have submitted two complaints to the police. The CID will not come under our jurisdiction; we will not act outside our legal framework,” he added.
“The Advocate General has spoken, and we must send our officials to provide an opportunity for the mahajar. Lakshmi Hebbalkar has not submitted another complaint to me. If she does, we will consider it. I currently have no information regarding the incident that happened inside. We need to think from both perspectives. We should view Lakshmi Hebbalkar not just as a minister but as a woman. Additionally, it is wrong to have taken C.T. Ravi in such an inhumane manner,” he commented.
“We have given a ruling and have closed this matter,” he continued. “The transfer to the CID cannot be questioned by me; that is for the Secretary to determine. It was a mistake for the CID to reference this as a matter of the Legislative Council. The police should not have brought this up. We have closed this after issuing a ruling. There is already a case regarding atrocities against women. Even if the proceedings are delayed, this will remain a Legislative Council matter, and any such actions will require our approval.”
“I have directed the Secretary accordingly,” he said. “The rules of the government and our rules are different. I have made considerable efforts. We are working to mediate between the two parties involved. The case concerning the Legislative Council has not gone to the CID. It was also a mistake to reference it; that should not have been done. We are verifying the matter regarding being outside (the jurisdiction). After the incident, Hebbalkar has filed a complaint regarding the atrocities. We are addressing that,” he added.
“I have also been in discussions with legal experts,” he noted. “Hebbalkar is feeling hurt. Similarly, it is wrong to have treated C.T. Ravi this way. No one can exert pressure on me. The Governor has asked for information, and I have provided it. I will not act outside the law. I understand the pain of both parties,” he concluded.
