Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti on Monday clarified that the conversation between Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar and BJP MLC CT Ravi, which sparked controversy on December 19, was not recorded and all the recordings released were false.

Hebbalkar had accused Ravi of using derogatory language against her after the Council was adjourned for a recess. The incident led to protests and Ravi was arrested from Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi following Hebbalkar’s complaint. However, Ravi was later released after the High Court ruled his arrest illegal, citing failure to follow due process.

Horatti, speaking to journalists, stressed that no recordings were made after the postponement. “We do not have any video regarding this incident. Only we can have the authentic audios, videos and recordings,” he said. He also explained that outside parties are not allowed to record proceedings and such recordings must be sent to the Forensic Sciences Laboratory (FSL) for verification.

When asked about the video released purporting to show Ravi using derogatory language, Horatti strongly denied its authenticity. “Nothing was recorded after the adjournment of the House. If anyone claims that this is recorded, then it is false,” he said, calling the matter a “closed chapter” as it occurred outside the jurisdiction of the Council.

Horatti further clarified that he reviewed the incident with the Council Secretary and officials and decided to adjourn the House sine die. He added that the incident, not falling within the jurisdiction of the Council, was the responsibility of the police and the government. “We have not received any complaints from either party, so we cannot take action,” Horatti explained.

He also responded to a letter from Karnataka State Women’s Commission chairperson Nagalakshmi Chowdhary, who had written seeking a high-level probe. Horatti said Hebbalkar’s approach to the Women’s Commission or the police was a personal matter and the commission had no authority to demand an investigation from him.

The controversy surrounding the incident has sparked debate over the roles of the Council and external bodies, with Horatti saying the matter does not fall within his jurisdiction and should be handled by the police.

Hebbalkar alleged that Ravi called her a “prostitute” on the last day of the winter session of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly.