No video of C T Ravi using bad word, those circulated may be fake: Basavaraj Horatti

Legislative Council chairman Basavaraj Horatti on Monday clarified that the contentious conversation between Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar and BJP MLC C T Ravi in the House on December 19 was not recorded and any video being circulated could be fake.

Hebbalkar has accused Ravi of using a derogatory word against her during a conversation that took place moments after Horatti adjourned the House for a while.

Protests and counter protests ensued, and Ravi was arrested on the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha premises in Belagavi, following a complaint filed by the minister.

Speaking to reporters, Horatti asserted that from his side it is a “closed chapter,” as he has already carefully examined evidence available with him and followed every possible rule before reading out his ruling on the issue.

The chairman, however, said that if he received any complaint or additional evidence from anyone, he was ready to relook into the case.

When asked about a video clip that was in circulation, in which Ravi is purportedly heard mouthing derogatory words, he said, “Nothing has been recorded after the adjournment of the House. If someone is saying that it is recorded, then it is fake. It is not related to us.” He said there were no videos available regarding this incident.

Audio-video clips in circulation could be fake as the House does not permit anyone to record visuals.

Forensic examination

“We can examine only authentic audio, video clips and recordings that the Council has allowed. Other than these, if I receive any audio or video clip, it will be forwarded to the forensic science laboratory for examination. Based on its report, action can be taken,” Horatti said.

Taking objection to the FIR mentioning Legislative Council, the chairman said he had already instructed the police to remove the words ‘Legislative Council’ from the FIR as the complaint by the minister and arrest of Ravi took place outside the jurisdiction of the House.

“The police had come with a request to do an inquest inside the Council. But we did not give permission as the incident took place after the House was adjourned sine die,” he said.

‘Was in touch with MLC all night, ensured he was safe’

The chairman said he was constantly in touch with Ravi and police officers till 5 am the day after police arrested Ravi.

“None, including Ravi and leader of the Opposition Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, ever complained to me about the police trying to ‘harass the MLC or kill him in an encounter. Since Ravi’s arrest, I have called him thrice and sought to know about his safety. I instructed police officers, including the SP, four times to give him adequate protection. When he was taken to Ankalgi, I sent my friends to meet him and enquire about his safety. My friends reported back that he was safe and kept in a decent place. Only after this, I went to bed,” he said, almost debunking BJP’s charge that police were trying to kill Ravi in an encounter.