‘Treated Me Like A Terrorist’: BJP Leader CT Ravi After Receiving Bail In ‘Derogatory’ Comments Case – News18

Last Updated:December 20, 2024, 23:11 IST

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.

The bench of Justice M G Uma, however, said that Ravi should co-operate with the investigation and be available for questioning.

He was released in Davanagere by the Karnataka Police on Friday night following the High Court order.

A large number of party workers extended a grand welcome and shouted slogans against the Congress government. State BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra, and the Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka greeted and welcomed him after they were taken to Bengaluru in the police vehicle.

Victory Of Truth, Says Ravi

After being granted bail, the former Karnataka minister said that this is victory of truth. He also accused the Congress-led government of treating him like a “terrorist”.

“Our custodian is the Chairman, when our custodian clearly said and gave the decision, despite that a false case was filed against me and they treated me like a terrorist, they should introspect what they have done, I am not well because I did not eat properly last night and in the morning. This is the victory of truth, this order of the High Court has a clear message that we all should follow the law…” news agency ANI quoted Ravi as saying.

Ravi while addressing a joint press conference with Vijayendra and Ashoka in Davanagere, stated that truth has prevailed. “Satyameva Jayate,” he stated.

“The police took me around more than 50 villages overnight to torture me mentally and physically. The Congress government used the police force to bog me down. My party leaders stood by me and gave me courage. The party workers across the state extended their solidarity with me,” he stated.

“I don’t want to talk much about today’s judgment. I had maintained in Belagavi that the truth will win and now the truth has won. I don’t get exalted by this order. The Congress government is wrong they think they could contain me. I have experienced all these situations 35 years ago and I have become strong,” he stated.

“I have grown stronger by the torture given by the Congress government now. It has made me stronger to serve party workers,” Ravi stated.

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.

Ravi recounted his ordeal, claiming the police had taken him on an unnecessary journey across Dharwad, Belagavi, and Bagalkot districts before conducting a medical checkup in the morning.

Speaking to reporters before entering the court, Ravi maintained his innocence, calling the charges baseless. “This is a politically motivated case. The police tortured me by keeping me in transit all night without food. I will bring these details to the judge’s attention,” he said.

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)