Bengaluru
The arrest of BJP member C.T. Ravi by Belagavi police for allegedly using abusive language against Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar has caused a significant stir in Karnataka's political landscape. It has come to light that Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot had written to the Chief Minister’s Office on December 31, urging intervention in the matter. However, sources indicate that the Chief Minister’s Office has yet to respond to the governor's letter.
In the letter, the Governor mentioned that C.T. Ravi, a respected member of the Karnataka Legislative Council, met with his colleagues and provided detailed information regarding a recent incident that occurred after a session in Belagavi. He alleged that the Belagavi Police Commissioner and senior police officers took him against his will to remote and dangerous locations, including sugarcane fields and various other places. While in police custody, Ravi claimed he suffered injuries and was forced to travel 400 km overnight. He also reported facing severe physical and mental harassment, labeling it as unforgivable police brutality.
In the letter, the Governor noted that despite filing a complaint of assault and misconduct at the Khanapur police station and appealing to the Belagavi Superintendent of Police, the police failed to act on his complaint. Consequently, he urged legal action against the offending police officers and requested enhanced protection for his safety. Observing the serious nature of the issues and the evidence at hand, the Governor stated in his letter that both matters were indeed grave and warranted the Chief Minister’s personal intervention, advising a thorough personal review and necessary actions due to the involvement of an elected representative.