'Govt plotting fake encounter against C.T. Ravi', alleges Union Minister Prahlad Joshi

Hubballi: Union Minister Prahlad Joshi has alleged that the state government orchestrated a plot to eliminate Legislative Council Member C.T. Ravi through a “fake encounter.” Ravi himself claimed there was a “conspiracy to kill” him.

Speaking about the incident, Joshi remarked that the manner in which Ravi was detained and taken to isolated locations like fields, quarries, and forest roads “suggests intentions of a fake encounter.” This is a politically motivated act by the state government to suppress the BJP.”

Joshi added that legal and political battles will be initiated against this incident. He advised Ravi to ensure the Belagavi Police Commissioner and his team are held accountable through legal measures. “Officials complying with illegal oral orders must be taught a lesson,” he asserted, condemning the police behavior.

Joshi criticized the police for allegedly ignoring Opposition Leader Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, a Dalit leader, during the incident. He questioned whether this discrimination was due to Narayanaswamy’s caste and demanded accountability. Joshi also called for the resignation of the state’s Home Minister if these matters were not addressed.

No Single-Party Rule

Highlighting administrative irregularities, Joshi said, “Those who stormed Vidhana Soudha are yet to be arrested. Filing an FIR for the Legislative Council incident and arresting based on a minister’s assistant’s complaint reflects the bias of state police. Officers must remember that there is no single-party rule.”

Response from Law Minister H.K. Patil

Law Minister H.K. Patil dismissed Joshi’s remarks, stating, “Prahlad Joshi’s comments are unbefitting. The Legislative Council incident was unfortunate, and the police have already provided clarifications as to why Ravi was taken to different locations. Regarding the non-registration of cases against Hebbalkar’s supporters, I have no information.”