Kumaraswamy Issues Warning to Police Over Treatment of K'taka BJP MLC

Hassan (Karnataka), Dec 23 (NationPress) - Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, voiced his concerns regarding the handling of the BJP MLC C.T. Ravi case by the Belagavi police. He indicated that if BJP legislators effectively pursued legal action, there is a possibility that all police officers implicated in the case could face suspension.

While addressing the press in Haradanahalli, Kumaraswamy remarked, "Any police officer who subjected C.T. Ravi to mental torture at the behest of a Minister will face repercussions."

C.T. Ravi was accused of making an offensive comment about Women and Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar during a session in the Legislative Council.

Following Minister Hebbalkar's complaint, BJP MLC Ravi was arrested but was later released under a Karnataka High Court order.

Ravi alleged that he endured physical assault, was forced to travel overnight without food or water, and was denied basic necessities, claiming police threatened him with an encounter.

He questioned, "Was there a need to discuss Union Minister Amit Shah's comments made in the Rajya Sabha during the Assembly sessions? Is Amit Shah even a member of the Karnataka Legislative Council?"

Kumaraswamy stated, "I am closely monitoring the developments in this state. The Congress government is systematically targeting political rivals. They are setting up a foundation for the kind of political environment Karnataka may witness in the future."

The Union Minister accused the government of abusing police powers to intimidate political opponents.

"Was dragging C.T. Ravi around all night necessary? He is an elected official. If an arrest was warranted, he should have been presented directly to the magistrate's court in Bengaluru. What was the purpose of this humiliation? Who issued these orders?"

Kumaraswamy cautioned that if BJP members take appropriate legal steps, the accountable officials would face suspension.

He emphasized, "Any officer who has mentally tormented C.T. Ravi under ministerial influence will have to answer for their actions."

The JD-S leader declared, "Such behavior is intolerable."

Kumaraswamy questioned, "Is there even a Home Minister in this state? Numerous law and order incidents have transpired over the last six or seven months, yet the government has remained silent. Karnataka is descending into darker times as political vendettas and animosity come to the forefront."

He lamented the decline of the state's police system, which was once a model for the nation.

"Our ancestors established a strong system and a healthy environment. The Karnataka Police were respected across the country. Regrettably, this government is intent on dismantling that reputation. They are tarnishing the police department's image," he stated.

Pointing out specific cases, Kumaraswamy queried, "What has occurred regarding the case involving former Congress Minister Vinay Kulkarni? What actions were taken following the complaint made by a teacher against Congress leader Gurappa Naidu, who is accused of sexually harassing teachers in Bengaluru?"

He clarified that he does not blame the police department as a whole.

"Certain Ministers are directing specific officers, leading to unlawful decisions within the department. Cases are being filed according to their preferences, and their opponents are being crushed through the abuse of power and legal violations," he asserted.

"Time will reveal the truth behind these actions."

Regarding the inauguration of the Jayadeva Hospital in Kalaburagi by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Kumaraswamy questioned the CM's role in the initiative.

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

He further remarked, "Now they assert they will manage NIMHANS. They cannot even properly manage the existing hospitals. In north Karnataka, maternal and child mortality rates are alarming. It is disheartening. What actions have been taken to address this? Hospitals are understaffed and lack sufficient doctors. Is this how you intend to develop the state?"

Kumaraswamy also condemned the government's apathy towards issues in North Karnataka.

"The government made grand promises to tackle the region's problems, yet just yesterday, a young mother died during childbirth in Ballari. Such tragedies occur daily, yet the government remains indifferent," he lamented.