C.T. Ravi Casts Doubts on Karnataka Police's Integrity in Derogatory Remarks Investigation

Bengaluru, Jan 17 (NationPress) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLC C.T. Ravi expressed skepticism on Friday regarding the police investigations related to the derogatory remark controversy involving himself and Karnataka Cabinet Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, asserting that certain parties are intentionally plotting conspiracies.

While addressing the media at the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, C.T. Ravi questioned: "How can one trust that the police investigation is genuine? The police are operating under undue pressure.

"I lodged a complaint at Khanapur police station on the night of December 19, 2024, outlining the individuals who attacked me and those who aided in the attack. As of now, no FIR has been filed.

"There isn't one Constitution for me and another for others, nor a different set of laws based on who you are. If my complaint does not result in an FIR while complaints against me are processed instantly, it clearly demonstrates that the police are not acting impartially," C.T. Ravi remarked.

"I have submitted complaints to the Governor, Chief Minister, and the DGP. Yet, my complaint remains unregistered, and I have alerted them about police misconduct against me. Even now, my FIR is still pending," the BJP leader stated.

"What does police protocol dictate? Having served as an MLA for two decades, as a minister twice, and currently as an MLC, if my complaint is treated in this manner, what hope do ordinary citizens have?" he asked.

"To avoid political embarrassment, some individuals in the government have chosen alternative paths. In the end, only the truth will prevail. I am confident that I will emerge victorious," he asserted.

C.T. Ravi further refuted claims suggesting that the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) tests confirmed his voice was the one using derogatory language against Minister for Women and Child Welfare Laxmi Hebbalkar in the council.

"These are merely rumors, part of a conspiracy aimed at shaping a negative narrative," C.T. Ravi maintained.

"There is no FSL report, and no investigation has occurred; if such planted stories are being circulated, there is a hidden agenda behind them. Some individuals have resorted to dubious tactics to protect their reputations," he alleged, indirectly targeting Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar.

"I cannot disclose all details during the investigation phase. What I needed to communicate has been conveyed to the Chairman of the Legislative Council. They have issued their ruling after thoroughly reviewing the documentation," Ravi noted.

"If anyone challenges that ruling, it is akin to questioning the Constitution itself," he remarked.

When inquired about the FSL report, Ravi replied, "As the media is withholding its sources regarding the FSL report, I will refrain from speculation.”

The controversy ignited on December 19 during a heated debate in the Karnataka Legislative Council, where C.T. Ravi allegedly referred to Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, as a "drug addict".

This prompted strong reactions, with Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar labeling Ravi a "murderer". Ravi reportedly replied with an obscene remark aimed at Hebbalkar.

The alleged comment resulted in Ravi’s arrest for using derogatory language against Hebbalkar. However, following a directive from the High Court, he was released, leading to additional political turmoil.

The Congress government has assigned the case to the special wing Criminal Investigation Department (CID) despite Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti stating that the matter is closed and police interference is unacceptable.

Minister for Women and Child Welfare, Laxmi Hebbalkar, challenged BJP MLC C.T. Ravi to swear before Lord Manjunatheshwara at the notable Hindu pilgrimage site in Dharmasthala regarding his alleged derogatory comments against her in the Legislative Council.