Did a BJP Leader's 'Pakistani' Comment Spark Controversy in Karnataka?

Bengaluru, May 27 (NationPress) A statement made by BJP MLC and Opposition Chief Whip in the Legislative Council, N. Ravikumar, referring to Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum as a 'Pakistani' has ignited a significant controversy in Karnataka.

This incident has created a difficult situation for the Opposition BJP, as the IAS Officers’ Association has vehemently condemned the statement. Ravikumar has since expressed regret for his comments.

In response, Kalaburagi police have filed an FIR against Ravikumar related to this episode and are gearing up to take legal action against him.

Having been booked under the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which is non-bailable, the police possess the power to arrest him at any moment.

Sources indicate that Ravikumar is likely to petition the court for bail to evade arrest.

Commenting on the situation, BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra asserted on Tuesday, “The Congress-led government is targeting Opposition parties and leaders, attempting to intimidate them through police cases. We organized a protest in Kalaburagi against Minister for RDPR, IT, and BT Priyank Kharge, voicing our concerns over the systemic failures in Kalaburagi district and emphasizing how the police department is being manipulated by politicians.”

“MLC N. Ravikumar made particular remarks and later apologized. However, the Congress leaders procured a police complaint against him from a third party, leading to the FIR. In Mangaluru, an FIR was filed against BJP MLA Y. Bharath Shetty, and previously, another BJP MLA from the area, Harish Poonja, faced a similar situation. They managed to secure a stay from the court,” Vijayendra explained.

“This is part of a broader strategy to intimidate MLAs. They have previously suspended 18 BJP MLAs in a similar manner. Such actions clearly aim to target the Opposition, which is an undemocratic approach,” he claimed.

The FIR alleges that Ravikumar questioned whether Deputy Commissioner Fouzia Taranum is from India or Pakistan. He is also accused of stating that, due to her religion as a Muslim, she is incapable of demonstrating loyalty and trust in the Indian Constitution.

The complainant has further alleged that Ravikumar made derogatory comments about three police officers — Chandrashekara Tigadi, Nataraja Naade, and Shankaragouda Patil — suggesting they are incapable of fulfilling their duties.

Reportedly, Ravikumar questioned whether Kalaburagi is situated in Karnataka or Pakistan.

He is also accused of issuing threats against Minister Priyank Kharge and police officials, thereby obstructing their ability to perform their duties. Additionally, he allegedly attempted to incite panic among the public and provoke them against specific castes and religions.

Ravikumar is further accused of inciting hatred against Muslims and insulting police officers by referring to them as 'slaves'.

These statements were reportedly made on May 24 in front of the Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner's office, as outlined in the FIR.

Karnataka Police have filed an FIR against Ravikumar for making objectionable remarks aimed at Fouzia Taranum.

The FIR was lodged following a complaint by Dattatreya, a social activist from Kalaburagi city, on Monday.

The police have charged Ravikumar under multiple Sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 197 (actions likely to incite disharmony, enmity, or hatred among different groups), 224 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging their duty), 299 (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings), 302 (injuring religious sentiments), 351 (criminal intimidation), and 353 (assault or use of criminal force to deter a public servant from discharging their duty).

Additionally, Ravikumar has been charged under Section 3 (1) (r) of the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.