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Karnataka BJP MLC C T Ravi is accused of using a derogatory word against Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar in the Legislative Council on Thursday
BJP leader CT Ravi (PTI Image)
In a big relief for BJP leader CT Ravi, the Karnataka High Court on Friday has ordered an immediate release for the BJP MLC who was arrested for making alleged derogatory remarks against state minister Laxmi Hebbalkar at the Legislative Council in Belagavi.
Allegations Against CT Ravi
Ravi was arrested for allegedly making objectionable remarks against Hebbalkar following which, an FIR was lodged against him.
Based on the complaint filed by the Minister, a case was registered against the BJP leader under sections 75 (sexual harassment) and 79 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
According to Congress leaders, Ravi allegedly used the derogatory word several times against Hebbalkar during an altercation between them, after the House was adjourned for some time by Chairman Basavaraj Horatti, following an uproar over Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on B R Ambedkar.
The BJP leader was arrested and brought to the district court by Belagavi police on Thursday. Before being taken to court, he underwent a medical checkup at the Mutag Health Center in Belagavi.
Ravi Denies Allegations
The BJP leader on Friday took a hit at the ruling party in the state and accused the Congress-led Siddaramaiah government of acting like ‘dictators’ following his arrest.
“They (state government) have acted like dictators, there is a full stop to everything, dictatorship will not last long,” said CT Ravi after he was arrested.
Ravi also filed a counter-complaint at the Khanapura police station in Belagavi, accusing Congress leaders Lakshmi Hebbalkar, Chamaraja Hattiholi, DK Shivakumar, Saddam, and others of attempting to kill him.
He alleged that the police brought him to the Khanapura police station without providing a reason.
“Police brought me to Khanapura police station around 8 pm. They didn’t tell me in which case they brought me. They’re not registering my complaint; they’re not even filing a zero FIR. If something happens to me, the Congress government must take responsibility,” CT Ravi claimed.
No Record Of CT Ravi Using Abusive Language
Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti clarified on Friday that there is “no record of the abusive word used in the council”.
Speaking to the media in Hubballi, Horatti stated that the alleged word claimed to be used by Ravi has not been recorded in the council.
BJP Workers Stage Protest
BJP workers staged protests in Chikkamagaluru and Belagavi, condemning the arrest. In Chikkamagaluru, BJP workers gathered to demand Ravi’s release, accusing the state government of targeting opposition leaders. The saffron camp had also called for a bandh in Chikkamagaluru.
The bandh was organised by the Chikkamagaluru district BJP, prompting a heavy police deployment in the city. In Belagavi, BJP leaders and workers staged a protest at Chennamma Circle, led by Opposition Leader R Ashoka and State BJP President BY Vijayendra.
(With inputs from agencies)
