Asserting that the alleged incident occurred after the House was adjourned, Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti said that the issue fell outside the Council's jurisdiction. He also said there is no audio-visual recording of the alleged incident.
Published Dec 23, 2024 | 11:00 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 23, 2024 | 11:00 PM
Minister for Women and Child Welfare Laxmi Hebbalkar stated that she will write to the Prime Minister and President of India against BJP MLC CT Ravi over abusing her. (supplied)
Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti has termed the row between Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar and BJP MLC CT Ravi a “closed chapter.”
Asserting that the alleged incident occurred after the House was adjourned, he said on Monday, 23 December, that the issue fell outside the Council’s jurisdiction. Horatti also said there was no audio-visual recording of the alleged incident.
However, Minister for Women and Child Welfare Hebbalkar reignited the controversy by releasing a video purportedly showing Ravi using derogatory language against her during the Council session.
Vowing to pursue legal action, she decried the remarks as an attack on her dignity and pledged to escalate the matter to the highest levels, including the Prime Minister and President.
Meanwhile, Ravi accused the police of treating him inhumanely while he was in their custody. The minister’s statement and Ravi’s accusation indicated that the issue was not a closed chapter.
Horatti said he would not allow the police inside the House to probe the allegations. The Belagavi City Police were planning to take legal experts’ opinions before going ahead with the investigation.
The police arrested Ravi — amidst high drama — on 19 December, after Hebbalkar accused him of repeatedly using profanity against her in the Council. He was released the next day on a high court order.
“I want to clarify that no recordings were made after the adjournment of the Legislative Council on 19 December. We do not possess any videos related to the said incident,” Horatti told reporters on Monday.
“No one outside the Council is permitted to take videos or record audios. If anyone claims to have a video of the incident, it should be sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). Based on the FSL report, we will take appropriate action,” he said.
On a video of Ravi abusing the minister being circulated, Horatti said “Nothing was recorded after the adjournment of the House. Any claim that something was recorded is false. It is unrelated to us. If someone claims to have the video, they should come forward, and we will examine it.”
He further said the matter has been closed. “The matter is closed. I discussed it with the Council’s Secretary and other officials, reviewed the rule books, and concluded that the incident took place after the House was adjourned, which means it falls outside our jurisdiction.”
“If anyone files a complaint alleging a breach of their privilege, I will review it according to the prescribed rules. However, this incident is not connected to the House,” he dismissed Hebbalkar’s claim that the incident occurred inside the Legislative Council as “incorrect.”
When asked if the issue would be referred to a committee for investigation, Horatti said that option would have been sought if the situation had escalated.
“But after a thorough review and attempts at reconciliation, we gathered statements from both parties and the matter is resolved. There’s no need for a committee. If any new complaints arise, I will consider them,” the Council chairman said, adding that he was in constant touch with Ravi during his detention.
Meanwhile, Hebbalkar reiterated her resolve to pursue legal action against Ravi. “I will continue my legal fight against BJP MLC Ravi. By making derogatory remarks inside the House, he has lowered the dignity of the Upper House,” she told reporters in Belagavi.
CT ರವಿ ಆಡಿಯೋ – ವಿಡಿಯೋ ಬಿಡುಗಡೆ ಮಾಡಿದ ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿ ಹೆಬ್ಬಾಳ್ಕರ್.
ಮೋದಿಯನ್ನು ಭೇಟಿ ಮಾಡಿ ದೂರು ಕೊಡುತ್ತೇನೆ ಎಂದ ಸಚಿವೆ. #ctravi pic.twitter.com/YXnxNxcLRP
— 👑Che_ಕೃಷ್ಣ🇮🇳💛❤️ (@ChekrishnaCk) December 23, 2024
The minister emphasised her commitment to addressing the issue at the highest level. “I will write to the Prime Minister and the President of India about this matter. If given an opportunity, I will meet the Prime Minister to explain the injustice meted out to me. This incident has deeply affected my self-respect,” she added.
“Such behaviour reflects a lack of self-respect and is an attempt to sideline women in politics and undermine our confidence. I will not be intimidated by this,” she added.
Criticising the BJP, she said, “‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ is just a slogan for them. I have always said that it’s not the party but its leaders who should be blamed for such actions. However, it seems all are alike in the BJP—like Dhritarashtra.”
The minister pointed out that the derogatory comments were heard by everyone in the House. “Even BJP MLC N Ravikumar and JD(S) leaders were present when the incident occurred. Four members of the House came and apologised to me personally, though I won’t reveal their names. It took me some time to react as I was shocked by the abuse,” she said.
On Sunday, 22 December, Ravi returned to his hometown, Chikkamagaluru, to a rousing welcome. It was his first visit home after the arrest.
“I was driven around in a police vehicle across four districts throughout the night. I have audio and video evidence of the goons assaulting me,” Ravi told reporters in Chikkamagaluru and demanded a thorough investigation.
“I have already complained to the Legislative Council Chairman. We need to see what action he takes. I have also filed a complaint in Khanapur PS about the attempted murder. However, the police have not registered an FIR,” he alleged.
“Democracy will not tolerate intimidation or hooliganism. I will file a complaint at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha regarding the threats I received. I will also complain about the inhumane behaviour of the police.”
“Not even a murder accused or a rowdy-sheeter would be treated this way. Despite being an MLC, I was treated inhumanely. I will also file a complaint with the Human Rights Commission. I have discussed the possibility of moving a privilege motion with the Chairman. I am in constant touch with my lawyers and will file the complaint once my health improves,” Ravi added.
“Why was I ordered to be driven around villages and forests throughout the night? Why was I taken to Belagavi, Raibag, and Lokapur?” he asked.
“I sustained a head injury in Khanapur and received treatment in Raibag. Despite blood flowing heavily from my head for a long time, treatment was not provided promptly,” he claimed.
Responding to Hebbalkar’s decision to complain to the Prime Minister and President against him Ravi said she had called BJP members Dhritharashtras. “It includes not just me but also the state BJP president and even Modi.”
“If BJP members are Dhritharashtras, why complain? How does complaining to Prime Minister Modi benefit her?” asked Ravi.
Meanwhile, Belagavi City Police Commissioner Iada Martin Marbaniang said he would take legal opinion in the case.
“We have to collect statements, evidence, and other required materials on the accused abusing complainant. We are probing the case,” Marbaniang told South First.
“We will consult our legal experts and then take a call on how to probe the incident,” he added.
The officer said the police have registered a case against 10 unidentified persons for assaulting Ravi. “The identification of the accused is underway. We have not made any arrests in the case,” he replied to a specific query.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
