Inspector Dismissed for Permitting BJP Officials into Police Station During C. T. Ravi's Detention

Belagavi, Dec 25 (NationPress) The Karnataka Police took action on Wednesday by suspending the Inspector of Khanapur Police Station located in Belagavi for violating superior officers' directives by permitting BJP leaders to enter the police station during the arrest of MLC C. T. Ravi.

IGP (Northern Range) Vikash Kumar Vikash has confirmed the suspension order.

“On December 19, BJP MLC C. T. Ravi was transferred to Khanapur Police Station from Hirebagewadi Police Station. Clear instructions were provided to prevent anyone from entering the station. It was also directed to ensure security using the available police station staff,” the IGP stated.

“Police Inspector Manjunath Nayak failed to implement adequate security measures. Political leaders entered the police station without permission, causing confusion on-site. He did not manage to stop the entry of these political leaders,” the IGP added.

The IGP indicated that the suspension was due to disobeying orders from superiors, negligence, and irresponsible conduct by the officer.

As a result, the situation has turned political, with BJP, Dalit, and pro-Kannada groups calling for a Khanapur bandh in response to the Inspector's suspension.

Deputy CM D. K. Shivakumar and Home Minister G. Parameshwara convened a meeting with police officials in Belagavi.

Speaking to reporters, Parameshwara remarked, “The issue regarding C. T. Ravi was not part of our discussions. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is currently investigating the case. I will refrain from making comments while the investigation is ongoing.”

“The decision to suspend Manjunath Nayak was made by the department's senior officials. The government will not interfere in this matter under any circumstances,” he asserted.

Deputy CM Shivakumar criticized BJP leaders for conducting a meeting at the Khanapur police station.

A BJP delegation, which included prominent leaders from Belagavi such as Anil Benake and Subhash Patil, met with IGP Vikash Kumar and Belagavi Police Commissioner Iada Martin Marbaniang on Wednesday, demanding the arrest of those allegedly involved in the attack on Ravi at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha.

The Karnataka BJP delegation urged Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to intervene in the investigation concerning derogatory remarks involving Ravi and Women and Child Development Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, calling for a judicial inquiry.

BJP leader R. Ashoka accused police stations in Karnataka of functioning as Congress offices and expressed doubt about the impartiality of police investigations.

The controversy began on December 19 during a heated discussion in the Karnataka Legislative Council.

Ravi allegedly labeled Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, as a “drug addict.” This incited strong backlash, with Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar branding Ravi a “murderer.” Ravi reportedly retaliated with an obscene comment directed at Hebbalkar.

This alleged statement led to Ravi's arrest for using derogatory language against Hebbalkar.

Subsequently, following a High Court ruling, Ravi was released, which added to the political drama.

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

Meanwhile, Minister Hebbalkar challenged Ravi to take an oath before Lord Manjunatheshwara at the renowned Hindu pilgrimage site in Dharmasthala, Karnataka, regarding his alleged derogatory comments about her in the Legislative Council.