Pralhad Joshi issued misleading statement of govt intending fake encounter with MLC C T Ravi: Dinesh Gundu Rao

'These are misleading statements. Joshi is a senior leader and making such statements is not acceptable. There is not even 1 per cent truth in this. It is not good for Joshi, as a Union Minister, to make such a provocative statement,' the minister said.

Mangaluru: Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dinesh Gundu Rao said that Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has issued a misleading statement that the government intended a fake encounter with BJP MLC C T Ravi.

"These are misleading statements. Joshi is a senior leader and making such statements is not acceptable. There is not even 1 per cent truth in this. It is not good for Joshi, as a Union Minister, to make such a provocative statement," Dinesh Gundu Rao told mediapersons in Mangaluru.

"The incident involved some people acting out of anger, but there was no direct attack on C T Ravi. Police are accepting complaints based on the information received. Comparisons between different complaints are unnecessary. If there is any issue, it should be addressed. There is ample evidence supporting C T Ravi's statements, yet no one is questioning it," he said.

"Investigations will be conducted into it. The matter has also been referred to the Privilege Committee, and necessary actions will be taken. Claims that C T Ravi did not make a statement are being challenged. If proven false, it raises questions about the BJP defending Ravi and those using religion for political purposes. BJP leaders should clearly state whether they agree with C T Ravi's statement. Why is the Sangh Parivar silent on this matter? We have seen videos of who said what. What is the BJP's stance on C T Ravi's statement? The BJP lacks the moral integrity to condemn it," he said.

To a query on the allegations of inadequate treatment for burn victims at KIMS Hospital, Dinesh Gundu Rao said, “KIMS Hospital does not fall under my department. It comes under the Department of Medical Education. KIMS is a good hospital which provides treatment to millions of people in the area."

"I will speak after getting more details into the case,” he added.