'Conspiracy To Murder Me', Alleges Arrested Karnataka BJP Leader C T Ravi After Reported Custodial Torture

Karnataka BJP MLC CT Ravi was arrested on Thursday following allegations of using derogatory language against Congress Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar during a session of the Legislative Council. The incident occurred at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, where an FIR was filed against Ravi after Hebbalkar lodged a complaint. The police reported that Ravi was charged under sections 75 (sexual harassment) and 79 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The tensions escalated amid an already heated Winter Session, marked by clashes between the BJP and Congress. Reports indicate that derogatory comments made about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi by some BJP members may have triggered the altercation between Ravi and Hebbalkar. However, it remains unclear if Ravi himself made the comments regarding Gandhi.

Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah recounted that the confrontation took place after the Chairman adjourned the House. He stated that he was positioned two rows behind Hebbalkar when the exchange began. Siddaramaiah noted that as Hebbalkar directed remarks towards Ravi, he responded with derogatory language.

"I initially couldn't believe that an MLC could use such a word and waited for confirmation. He could be heard using that word and walking out," Siddaramaiah said. Following the incident, Hebbalkar expressed her distress to fellow party members.

In response to the situation, Siddaramaiah confirmed that they filed a complaint with the Chairman and requested action against Ravi. The Chairman assured them that he would investigate the matter by reviewing audio and video recordings of the session.

Ravi, in a video released on Friday morning, expressed his frustration over his treatment by the police, stating, "It's been 3 hours since I was brought to the police station, and I haven't been told why I have been brought to the police station." He added that if anything were to happen to him, "DK Shivakumar, Lakshmi Hebbalkar and their team will be responsible." He further criticized the police's conduct during his detention, suggesting it mirrored actions from India's Emergency period.

Karnataka Congress President DK Shivakumar also weighed in on the situation, questioning how police allowed a meeting of BJP leaders at the police station where Ravi was held. "Police have shown too much courtesy towards him. Police conduct is also not correct," he remarked. Shivakumar emphasised that while family members should be permitted to visit detainees, larger gatherings should not occur within police premises.

Hebbalkar described her experience of humiliation following Ravi's remarks. "The derogatory word was used against me repeatedly," she said, emphasising her shock and sadness over the incident. She recounted receiving support from her family, including encouragement from her daughter-in-law and son.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also commented on the matter, stating that he had heard from council members about Ravi's use of inappropriate language. "Laxmi is pained; it is in a way sexual harassment against her," he stated. As Hebbalkar approached with her complaint, Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti instructed staff to review video and audio recordings of the session for evidence. However, official sources later indicated that recording had ceased once the House was adjourned.

The incident has further intensified political tensions in Karnataka as both parties continue to grapple with accusations and counter-accusations amid an ongoing legislative session.