Karnataka BJP leader CT Ravi was arrested on Thursday after an FIR was filed against him for allegedly using a derogatory word towards Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar in the Legislative Council. The incident has triggered a political controversy, with both the ruling Congress and opposition BJP engaging in heated exchanges.
The police took Ravi, a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), into custody after Hebbalkar accused him of making insulting remarks during a verbal altercation. The altercation reportedly occurred after the Council adjourned earlier in the day following an uproar over Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s comments on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. According to Congress, some members allegedly made derogatory remarks about Rahul Gandhi, which triggered an argument between Ravi and Hebbalkar.
The police arrested Ravi under Sections 75 (sexual harassment) and 79 (insulting the modesty of a woman) of the Indian Penal Code, based on Hebbalkar’s complaint. However, Ravi denied the allegations, claiming in a video message that the police had not informed him about the charges and that they were conspiring to murder him. He also accused the Congress government of targeting him unjustly.
The situation escalated when Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, dismissed claims of government interference in the police’s actions, referring to Ravi’s language as “filthy.” Shivakumar also questioned the BJP’s attempt to meet Ravi at the police station, asserting there was no political interference.
Hebbalkar, in her statement, expressed shock and sadness over the incident, stating that the derogatory remarks had deeply humiliated her. She also received support from her family and the Congress party, with her son and constituents expressing solidarity.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned Ravi’s actions, stating that they amounted to sexual harassment. He emphasized that the word used by Ravi was offensive and had caused significant distress to Hebbalkar. While the issue remains under investigation, the controversy has intensified the political divide in the state.
