Bengaluru: JDS leader HD Kumaraswamy on Saturday accused the state police of “seizing” evidence against Karnataka ministers in possession of arrested Santro Ravi.
“Santro Ravi was arrested three days ago in Gujarat. The police have seized all evidence Santro Ravi possessed, and then brought to Karnataka,” he told reporters here.
Kumaraswamy said Santro Ravi was arrested in a rape case, but how will the police investigate corruption cases against him after evidence have been taken by away from him by the misnisters.
He also questioned the integrity of the police. “When he is directly involved in transfers of police officers, which officer will take up the investigation against him,” the former CM asked.
Kumaraswamy alleged that Santro Ravi’s arrest is a drama to bury all cases against him and his association with BJP leaders.
“Our Home Minister Araga Jnanendra is in Gujarat. Santro Ravi was held in Gujarat. What was our Home Minister doing in Gujarat is a million dollar question. There is a BJP government in Gujarat also. His arrest is a drama to bury all cases against him and his nexus with ruling BJP,” he alleged.
Kumaraswamy also alleged that Santro Ravi is being given royal treatment and added that the authorities permitted him to use the VIP gate to enter the terminals of the Kempegowda International Airport.
“Santro Ravi has been taken to an undisclosed location after he was brought back to Karnataka. This means he is being given preferential treatment,” he further alleged.
The BJP government had announced the seizure of properties of Santro Ravi after Kumaraswamy and Congress leaders, alleged BJP having links with the notorious offender.
Mysuru-based Odanadi NGO had complained to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Finance Minister Niramala Sitaraman to take action against Santro Ravi. They also had lodged a complaint with the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Photos of Santro Ravi with ruling BJP ministers and son of CM Bommai had gone viral on social media. Bommai had dismissed these allegations.
Santro Ravi has various criminal cases against him in Bengaluru and Mysuru including kidnap and rape case of a minor.
