Kumaraswamy Critiques Police Response in C.T. Ravi Controversy

Hassan (Karnataka), Dec 23 (NationPress) - Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, voiced his discontent regarding the manner in which the Belagavi police dealt with the case of BJP MLC C.T. Ravi. He remarked on Monday that if BJP legislators engaged in a proper legal pursuit, there could be a possibility of suspending all police officers implicated in the case.

While addressing the media in Haradanahalli, located in Hassan district, Minister Kumaraswamy stated: "Any police officer who subjected C.T. Ravi to mental torment, influenced by a Minister, will face repercussions."

C.T. Ravi faced allegations for making a disparaging comment against the Women and Child Welfare Minister, Laxmi Hebbalkar, during a session in the Legislative Council.

Following a complaint lodged by Minister Hebbalkar, BJP MLC Ravi was taken into custody but was later released following an order from the Karnataka High Court.

BJP MLC Ravi contended that he was mistreated, forced to travel overnight without provisions for food, water, or even restroom breaks, and threatened with police violence.

"They referenced statements made by Union Minister Amit Shah in the Rajya Sabha during Assembly sessions. This matter pertains to the Rajya Sabha. Is Amit Shah a member of the Karnataka Legislative Council?" he questioned.

"I am closely monitoring the developments in this state. The Congress government is systematically targeting political rivals. They are setting the stage for the political climate Karnataka may face going forward," he remarked.

Minister Kumaraswamy accused the government of exploiting law enforcement to silence political dissent.

"Was it necessary to drag C.T. Ravi around all night? He is an elected official. If an arrest was warranted, he should have been promptly presented before the magistrate's court in Bengaluru. What justified this humiliation? Who was responsible for such actions?" he inquired.

The JD-S leader cautioned that if BJP members pursue the correct legal channels, those responsible could be suspended.

Union Minister Kumaraswamy warned, "Any officer who inflicted mental distress on C.T. Ravi under ministerial influence will have to answer for it."

"This conduct is intolerable," he added.

The JD-S leader further questioned, "Does this state even have a Home Minister? There have been multiple law and order incidents over the past six or seven months, yet the government remains unresponsive. Karnataka is heading toward ominous times as political grudges and animosity take precedence," he noted.

Union Minister Kumaraswamy lamented the decline of the police system in the state, which was once regarded as a benchmark for the nation.

"Our ancestors established a solid system and fostered a healthy environment. The Karnataka Police was admired across the nation. Regrettably, this government seems intent on dismantling it. They are striving to smear the reputation of the police department," he stated.

Pointing to specific instances, Union Minister Kumaraswamy asked, "What has transpired regarding the case involving former Congress Minister Vinay Kulkarni? What actions were taken regarding the complaint lodged by a teacher against Congress leader Gurappa Naidu, accused of sexual harassment against teachers in Bengaluru?"

He clarified that he does not entirely blame the police department.

"Certain Ministers in the government are providing directives to select officers, resulting in unlawful decisions within the department. Cases are being registered according to their preferences, and their adversaries are being suppressed through the misuse of authority and legal violations," he remarked.

He cautioned, "Time will reveal the truth behind these matters."

Commenting on the inauguration of the Jayadeva Hospital in Kalaburagi by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Union Minister Kumaraswamy questioned the CM's role in the project.

"When I was the Chief Minister, I initiated this project. Subsequently, the BJP government allocated Rs 128 crore. BJP MP C.N. Manjunath from Jayadeva Hospital secured Rs 40 crore for this initiative. This government shows no appreciation for those who contributed previously. This is an uncivilized administration," he criticized while targeting the Congress government.

He further stated, "Now they assert they will manage NIMHANS. They cannot even effectively oversee the existing hospitals. In northern Karnataka, maternal and child fatalities occur daily. It is heartbreaking. What steps have been taken to address this? Hospitals are understaffed and lack adequate medical professionals. Is this the strategy for state development?"

He also condemned the government for its lack of attention to issues in North Karnataka.

"The government has made grandiose promises to resolve regional issues, yet just yesterday, a young mother died during childbirth in Ballari. These fatalities are happening daily, and the government shows no concern," he concluded.