Karnataka BJP MLC C.T. Ravi Alleges Inaction by Belagavi Police Over Derogatory Remark Dispute

Bengaluru, Jan 1 (NationPress) Karnataka MLC and former national general secretary of BJP C.T. Ravi expressed his frustration on Wednesday regarding the lack of action from the Belagavi police, who have yet to register an FIR on his complaint filed on December 19, 2024. This complaint relates to the alleged police misconduct associated with the derogatory comments made about Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar.

Addressing reporters at the BJP party headquarters in Bengaluru, Ravi stated, “On the night of December 19, I submitted my complaint, but as of now, it remains unregistered, and no FIR has been initiated. The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers investigating the derogatory remark controversy claim there are two cases against me and are preparing to send a notice. Curiously, they are unaware of my complaint. It seems there is one legal standard for Congress leaders and a different one for others,” he contended.

“When I approached the DGP and IGP about my complaint from December 19, they informed me they had no record of it,” Ravi added.

“Home Minister G. Parameshwara has publicly stated his inability to assist and requested not to burden him further, so I opted not to file a complaint with him. The police have failed to adhere to the rule of law and the Constitution in my case, and there needs to be accountability for their actions,” Ravi asserted.

Discussing the derogatory remark issue, he said, “I have reiterated this multiple times. The entire case should be examined from three perspectives. The Speaker and Chairman hold supreme authority within the State Legislature as per the Constitution. Article 194 grants special powers to the Speaker of the Assembly and the Chairman of the Council.”

“The events occurred outside the session at the Belagavi Suvarna Vidhana Soudha. Anti-social elements are attempting to harm me, with the police acting like 'bounty hunters'. In my letter to the Governor, I clearly outlined the threats against me and identified individuals involved. It is now up to the government to make appropriate arrangements regarding this matter,” Ravi emphasized.

Criticizing the Congress administration, he remarked, “From electricity to milk to alcohol, prices have surged. Corruption has escalated to the point where individuals must pay Rs 100 per square foot to get their plans approved. This is the Congress tax that people must bear,” he underscored.

“Following the Muda, Valmiki, and Excise scams, the health department has deteriorated. There has been a troubling rise in the deaths of new mothers in the state. It is astonishing and disheartening that over 400 lifesaving drugs supplied to government hospitals lack quality,” Ravi voiced his concerns.

He further stated, 'Honest officials are facing suicide threats from the Congress-led government. PSI Parashurama Nayak from Yadgir took his life, government officer Chandrasekaran in Shivamogga ended his life, and staffer Rudresh Yadavannanavar in Belagavi also committed suicide. Contractor Sanchin Panchal took his life. Just two days ago, another government employee, Amruth Shilyour, ended his life. Under the Congress government, honest officers are assured of a 'reward' of suicide, and this reflects the state of governance here,” he pointed out.

“Numerous ministers, including the Chief Minister, are under scrutiny. Minister Priyank Kharge believes he is above criticism, despite having demanded the resignation of former Minister K.S. Eshwarappa. Several 'mini-states' exist in Karnataka under the Congress administration, with separate republics in Kalaburagi, Belagavi, and Kanakapura. I urge for equal enforcement of law and the Constitution for all by 2025,” Ravi insisted.

This statement indirectly referenced Minister Priyank Kharge from Kalaburagi, Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar from Belagavi, and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar from Kanakapura.

“I wish everyone a happy new year. The Congress government has been in power for one and a half years, and their accomplishments consist solely of rising prices and rampant corruption,” he concluded.

The controversy ignited in December 2024 when Ravi allegedly labeled Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, as a 'drug addict.' This statement elicited strong backlash, with Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar branding Ravi a 'murderer'. In turn, Ravi reportedly made an inappropriate remark directed at Hebbalkar.

This alleged comment resulted in Ravi's arrest for using derogatory language against Hebbalkar. Following a directive from the High Court, Ravi was released, leading to further political turmoil.

The Congress government has assigned the case to the special CID unit, even as Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti stated that the matter was closed and police interference was unwarranted.

Minister Hebbalkar has since challenged Ravi to swear before Lord Manjunatheshwara at the renowned Hindu pilgrimage site in Dharmasthala, Karnataka, regarding his alleged derogatory remarks made in the Legislative Council.