BJP Member of Karnataka Legislative Council (MLC) CT Ravi has been granted interim bail by the Karnataka High Court following his arrest for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Congress leader and Karnataka cabinet minister Laxmi Hebbalkar. The arrest, which occurred on Thursday amidst high drama at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi, has sparked a political uproar.
Arrest and Allegations
Ravi was taken into custody after an FIR was filed against him under charges of sexual harassment and using gestures or acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman. The alleged incident occurred during a verbal altercation between Ravi and Hebbalkar in the Legislative Council. Congress leaders accused Ravi of repeatedly using derogatory language against Hebbalkar following a heated argument over Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks on BR Ambedkar.
While Hebbalkar filed a formal complaint with the Legislative Council Chairman, Ravi vehemently denied the allegations, calling them “false” and politically motivated.
High Court Observations
In granting Ravi bail, the Karnataka High Court criticized the police for their handling of the case. The court noted that Ravi, a sitting MLC and public representative, posed no flight risk. It also emphasized the need for proper procedural conduct, stating, “Even if the alleged incident occurred, which is unfortunate, the police was not required to manhandle the petitioner.”
The court highlighted that Ravi sustained a head injury during the incident and was recommended a CT scan by a doctor in Belgaum. It further ordered that Ravi be released once the bail order was hand-delivered to the investigating officer.
Dramatic Arrest and Allegations Against Police
Ravi’s arrest unfolded dramatically at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, where he was forcibly removed by police officers. Videos circulated on social media showed Ravi, with a bandaged head, sitting cross-legged on the ground and accusing the police of ill-treatment.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ravi alleged that the police deliberately delayed medical attention, taking three hours to provide first aid. He claimed he was driven around in a police vehicle across various districts without explanation, stating, “They are plotting something by parking their vehicles in deserted areas and making suspicious calls.”
Ravi further accused the Congress-led Karnataka government, particularly Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, of orchestrating a plan to harm him. “My life is under threat. If anything happens to me, they will be responsible,” he declared in a video shared from a police station.
Political Reactions
The BJP has rallied behind Ravi, accusing the Congress government of using state machinery for political vendettas. The Karnataka BJP shared videos of Ravi’s statements and condemned his treatment by the police. A BJP spokesperson stated, “This is an attempt to silence opposition voices and intimidate our leaders.”
Meanwhile, Congress leaders have defended the actions against Ravi, asserting that his behavior in the Legislative Council warranted strict action. Minister Hebbalkar’s supporters also staged protests, demanding accountability for Ravi’s remarks.
Legal Proceedings Continue
Ravi was produced before the Judicial Magistrate of First Class in Belagavi and later transferred to Bengaluru to appear before the Special Court for People’s Representatives. Although the Special Court has reserved its decision on Ravi’s interim bail plea, the High Court’s order granting bail takes precedence.
The controversy continues to dominate political discourse in Karnataka, with both parties exchanging accusations. The incident has underscored the growing tensions between the ruling Congress government and the opposition BJP in the state.
Ravi’s Defense
Ravi has maintained his innocence, asserting that he never used derogatory language against Hebbalkar. He called the allegations a “political conspiracy” to tarnish his reputation. Speaking to the media after being granted bail, Ravi said, “This is an attack on democracy. I will continue to fight for the truth.”
