- By Deeksha Gour
- Fri, 20 Dec 2024 03:42 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Karnataka News: Karnataka police have arrested Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLC C.T. Ravi for allegedly making derogatory comments towards Women and Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar during a session of the Legislative Council. The arrest took place on Thursday evening at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha and Ravi was subsequently taken to the City Fifth Additional Magistrate’s Court following a medical examination.
Why Was C.T Ravi Was Arrested?
The controversy erupted when Laxmi Hebbalkar claimed that C.T. Ravi used inappropriate language against her multiple times in the council. As reported by IANS, the minister expressed her feelings of hurt and anger, stating that all members present in the council seemed indifferent, likening them to "Dhritarashtra," a character from the Mahabharata known for his blindness to injustice.
Recalling the incident, Laxmi explained, "After a protest regarding remarks made about Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the House was adjourned. While I sat quietly, C.T. Ravi repeatedly called our leader Rahul Gandhi a drug addict." She added that she remained composed until Ravi's remarks escalated. "When he called Rahul Gandhi a drug addict again, I responded that he could also be called a murderer due to his involvement in an accident," she recounted.
Following this exchange, Laxmi alleged that C.T. Ravi began using derogatory language directed at her. "He used such disgusting words at least ten times," she claimed, emphasising that as a woman, a mother and a political leader, she felt deeply hurt by the comments. "If women in politics are addressed in such a manner, it is painful," she lamented.
She expressed disappointment that the council, known as the Upper House and a space for thoughtful discourse, allowed such language to be used.
BJP MLC C.T. Ravi Denied Allegations
In response to the allegations, C.T. Ravi has denied using any derogatory terms, insisting that he only used words like "frustrate" and "frustration," not the offensive term suggested by Laxmi. Despite his claims, the police registered an FIR based on her complaint under Sections 75 and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) for sexual harassment and insulting gestures.
Ravi's arrest occurred while he was participating in a protest alongside other BJP members. Police removed him from the protest site and transported him to a police van. Additionally, Laxmi Hebbalkar submitted a formal complaint to the Chairperson of the Legislative Council, Basavaraj Horatti, regarding the incident.
ALSO READ: 'Emergency Like Situation': BJP Accuses Karnataka Police Of Torturing CT Ravi In Custody
BJP Supporters Protested Outside Court
As the case unfolded, a large gathering of BJP supporters protested outside the court. Prominent party members, including B.Y. Vijayendra, MLC N. Ravi Kumar and MLA Prabhu Chauhan, spoke to Ravi before his appearance before the judge. During these discussions, Ravi shared his experience of being moved between various locations, including Dharwad, Belagavi, and Bagalkot, throughout the night.
Speaking to reporters as he approached the court, Ravi maintained his innocence, claiming he was falsely accused by Laxmi Hebbalkar. “I will tell the judge that the police tortured me. They took me all around all night and did not give me anything to eat,” he stated, expressing frustration over his treatment.
(With Inputs IANS)