New Delhi: The case involving BJP MLC CT Ravi and Karnataka Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar has been handed over by the Home Ministry to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
Home Minister Dr G Parameshwar said in Hubballi, “I have ordered the CID to investigate the case. It is not right to talk too much when the investigation ongoing. The Speaker has done his job, the police should investigate. The truth should be investigated, so I have ordered the CID to investigate.”
The CID will now probe the audio and visual evidence concerning allegations that Ravi used derogatory and unparliamentary language against Hebbalkar during a recent legislative session. On December 19, Hebbalkar had accused Ravi of using an obscene term during a heated exchange of words. Later in the evening the same day, Ravi was arrested at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi after Hebbalkar’s complaint. He was released on an interim order by the High Court.
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The CID will assess all the available evidence, including media clips and recordings from the legislative session in question.
Hebbalkar said, “For two days, I remained silent because I was in utter shock. I had never heard such words from anyone.” Hebbalkar also hit out at the BJP leaders for backing Ravi.
What BJP MLA said about the case
Meanwhile, MLA Dr. Ashwathanarayan in Bengaluru said that the CM, Home Minister, and Law Minister are all knowledgeable. The Speaker has already given a ruling on the matter in the House. “After receiving complaints from both sides, he said that the use of the word by Ravi in the House was not recorded nor is there any evidence.”
He added that it is not right for the government to hand over the case to CID for investigation at this stage. Why is the CID interfering in the House?, he questioned. “If the case is handed over for investigation to CID, then also give the case where Ravi faced police brutality to it,” the MLA added.
It is to be noted Ravi had accused the police of highhandedness during his arrest, while alleging that he was taken to several locations without food or rest. Hebbalkar had rubbished these claims.
Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy also flayed the move to hand over the case to CID for investigation. “What will they do, they will write it down and say what they are been told,” he said.
On Monday, Karnataka legislative council chairman Basavaraj Horatti had dismissed claims of a recording capturing the heated exchange between Hebbalkar and Ravi. “There is no evidence as nothing gets recorded after the adjournment of the House. No one else can provide a video since phones and private cameras are not allowed inside,” Horatti pointed out.
