Pramesh S Jain & Yogesh K Porwar
P
olice misuse increasing in the state: Bommai
New Delhi:Former Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai accused the Karnataka Congress government of inhumanly torturing Legislative Council Member C.T. Ravi,who allegedly made an inappropriate statement in the House.
Bommai-demanded an inquiry to uncover the truth about whether Ravi made such a statement.
Speaking to reporters in New Delhi,he said they cannot justify the behavior of the police.Previously,when slogans like ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ were raised in the Vidhana Soudha,no punishment was given.
The BJP MLC Ravi has clearly denied making such statements.We are speaking justly,and we have not opposed any investigation.Reaching any conclusion without an inquiry or investigation is wrong.”
The MP said in earlier incidents within the Vidhana Soudha, no one was taken to a police station.A committee was formed within the legislature,and action was taken based on its report.
But here,Ravi was suddenly arrested,taken to the police station,and driven around all night.Under which law is such action permissible?.
Governance has gone off track
Slamming the state government,the former CM said governance in Karnataka has gone astray.A police Raj is prevailing,with police being misused in every matter.
Multiple SITs are being formed to target opposition leaders and conduct various investigations.Even the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is mired in corruption,and investigations are underway against him.Amidst all this, police misuse has extended to the Vidhana Soudha.
Referring to a recent incident during the Belagavi session,Bommai charged that first,they used lathi charges against the Panchamasali community,spilling blood.
Such actions were not taken even when this community protested in the past.It appears that the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister believe they can achieve anything through police oppression.The Council chairman must decide on the arrest of Ravi,which occurred within the House.
Tough times aren’t far off
He said arresting Ravi without any investigation and the manner in which he was treated is unacceptable.Such cases require issuing a show-cause notice,conducting an inquiry, and taking action based on evidence.
In many cases,FSL labs examine videos and audios. However, in this case,none of that was done.Within two hours of a complaint,Ravi was arrested,taken to the Khanapur Police Station,and subjected to mental and physical torture.
“There are laws and procedures,but none of them have been followed.The police have violated the law,acting under political influence.The Chief Minister must take serious note of this.
Such oppressive and repressive actions cannot last long in the face of public power. If this continues,difficult times are not far off for the government,”Bommai warned.
MP Govind Karjol was present.
