Hubballi: Karnataka Minister G Parameshwara announced on Tuesday that a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) inquiry has been ordered into the recent controversy involving BJP MLC CT Ravi. He urged patience while the investigation unfolds, emphasising that the truth must come to light.  

Speaking to the media, Minister Parameshwara said, “I have ordered a CID inquiry on it. When the inquiry is going on, we should not make any statement about it.” He further explained that the police and the Legislative Council Speaker would carry out their duties appropriately.  

While addressing concerns about delays in filing the FIR, Parameshwara clarified that the delay was necessary to verify witnesses and ensure a thorough investigation. “Truth has to be revealed. We have to verify witnesses, so the CID inquiry has been asked to handle this,” he added.  

Incident sparks controversy 

The issue escalated after Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti revealed that no concrete evidence had been submitted by the council’s media regarding the matter. Horatti explained that he had personally contacted both CT Ravi and Congress leader Lakshmi Hebbalkar to mediate, but both stood firm on their positions.  

Horatti said, “We have not received any proof from our council media. I called CT Ravi and asked if he wanted to compromise; he said ‘no.’ I also called her (Lakshmi Hebbalkar), and she said ‘no.’” After consulting with the council’s secretary and reviewing related documents, Horatti made his ruling on the issue.  

The case stems from an incident on December 19 at the Belagavi Suvarna Soudha, where CT Ravi’s life was allegedly threatened following his objectionable statement against Hebbalkar. A case has been registered under several sections of the law at the Hirebagewadi police station.  

Ravi seeks government 

CT Ravi has expressed dissatisfaction with his treatment, questioning his recent arrest and repeated transfers across districts. Speaking at a press conference, Ravi criticised the government’s rationale for these actions, saying, “The public is in our support... Why was I arrested? Why was I continuously shifted to four districts? CM says it was due to security reasons, but they failed to provide adequate security in police stations.”  

Ravi has alleged that Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Minister Hebbalkar are plotting against him. “I still have a life threat. That’s why I’m asking the government to provide me adequate support. If something happens to me, the government will have to take responsibility,” he stated.  

ANI