Belagavi: BJP MLC CT Ravi was arrested on Thursday for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar during a session of the Legislative Council. Ravi was apprehended from the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha premises following an FIR filed by Hebbalkar at the Hirebagewadi Police Station.
The incident occurred amid a Congress protest against Union Minister Amit Shah’s alleged defamatory comments about Dr. BR Ambedkar. The case against Ravi includes charges under Sections 75 (sexual harassment) and 79 (gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Post-arrest, Ravi accused the police of human rights violations, claiming he was subjected to mental and physical harassment. “I was taken on rounds all night across different locations in the district without clarity or care for my rights as a legislator,” Ravi alleged, labeling the state government’s actions as “dictatorial.”
Ravi also criticized the involvement of senior state officials, suggesting the police acted under directives from higher authorities. He further alleged that attempts were made to intimidate him, with three incidents of public threats at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha reported to the Council Chairman and police.
Visuals of Ravi questioning police and being lifted into a vehicle have surfaced, fueling his claims of mistreatment. The police are reportedly planning to present him in Bengaluru’s people’s representative court, although details remain unconfirmed.
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