Belagavi police are set to present BJP MLC C.T. Ravi before the local court on December 20, 2024, after his arrest on Thursday. Ravi was taken into custody for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar during an Assembly session, which the police claim amounted to outraging a woman’s modesty and sexual assault.
The arrest, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police S.M. Satyanayak, took place near the Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi. Ravi was initially detained at the Hirebagewadi police station, where cases were filed under Sections 75 and 79 of the BNS Act. Section 79 allows for station bail, while Section 75 is non-bailable, suggesting Ravi will be presented before a magistrate before being transferred to Bengaluru.
Ravi, however, has vocally protested his treatment, accusing the police of conspiring to harm him. He claimed he was driven around aimlessly without being informed of the situation and later alleged that he was injured during an altercation with the police. “The police are conspiring to murder me,” Ravi posted on social media, further accusing the Congress government of orchestrating a plot against him.
The police have denied his allegations, stating that his injury was self-inflicted. “While being taken to Ramdurg, Ravi attempted to exit the vehicle, hitting his forehead on the handlebar. He was given immediate first aid at a government hospital,” an officer clarified.
Ravi’s arrest has intensified the ongoing political feud in Karnataka. He accused the Congress-led government of shielding its own ministers from scrutiny and demanded action against Congress leaders, alleging video evidence of misconduct during a Legislative Council session.
Simultaneously, Congress workers attempted to storm Ravi’s residence in Chikkamagaluru, but police intervened and erected barricades to prevent the protesters from advancing. Demonstrations were also reported in Bengaluru, Belagavi, and other areas.
CT Ravi’s Legal Team Raises Concerns Over Police Conduct
Ravi’s lawyer, Advocate Chetan, criticized the police for preventing him from meeting Ravi for over an hour after arriving at Khanapur Police Station. “Every accused has the right to meet their counsel, yet we were denied access,” said Chetan. Ravi also expressed concerns about threats to his life, but the police failed to register an FIR despite a complaint being drafted.
BJP leader and State Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, dismissed Ravi’s claims of police misconduct, asserting, “There is no conspiracy to harm Ravi. The police allowed him to meet his supporters, but it is inappropriate to hold a political meeting in a police station.”
Meanwhile, Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra condemned the police’s actions, accusing them of succumbing to pressure from the state government. He claimed that Ravi had sustained a head injury but was denied medical treatment. “The way CT Ravi is being treated is uncalled for. He is a respected MLC, not a criminal,” Vijayendra said.
Political Protests and Counter-Protests Erupt Across Karnataka
The controversy surrounding Ravi’s arrest led to widespread protests and counter-protests in various parts of Karnataka, particularly in his hometown of Chikkamagaluru. Congress workers staged a protest against Ravi’s remarks, while BJP supporters took to the streets to denounce the arrest. The protests turned tense as Congress workers attempted to march to Ravi’s residence, but police intervened, blocking their path.
Simultaneously, BJP workers, protesting against the Congress, clashed with Congress supporters near Ravi’s house. In Belagavi, BJP protesters staged a demonstration at Hanumanthappa Circle, burning tyres and accusing the police of filing a false case against their leader. The police intervened and arrested several of the protesters.
BJP Leaders Also Detained During Protests
Opposition leaders, including R. Ashok, Cheluwadi Narayanaswamy, and others, staged a sit-in at the Suvarna Soudha in protest of Ravi’s arrest. They were also detained by the police and taken to an undisclosed location.
Amid escalating tensions, Ravi filed a counter-complaint at Khanapur Police Station, accusing Congress leaders and the police of conspiring against him. He claimed that the police detained him without explaining the charges and refused to file an FIR when he requested one. Ravi warned that if anything happened to him, the Congress government would be responsible.
Accusations of Misconduct Spark Protests in Belagavi and Beyond
C.T. Ravi’s arrest, related to his alleged use of derogatory language against Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, has sparked political turmoil, with protests erupting across Karnataka. His supporters, while condemning the arrest, have accused the police of being under government pressure, and calls for a statewide protest have been issued by BJP leaders.
The arrest and subsequent developments have added fuel to the already charged political atmosphere in Karnataka.
