BJP MLC C.T. Ravi Asserts He Has Never Made Personal Attacks Following High Court's Release Order

Haveri (Karnataka), Dec 20 (NationPress) BJP MLC C.T. Ravi asserted on Friday that he has never engaged in personal attacks against his opponents, emphasizing that his critiques are fundamentally ideological and political.

In a press conference held in the Haveri district post the High Court's directive for his immediate release, Ravi challenged the public to learn about him by speaking to residents of his hometown, Chikkamagaluru. He remarked, 'Let people inquire about Dy CM D.K. Shivakumar in Ramanagar'.

Ravi also pointed out that the Chairman of the Legislative Council confirmed that there are no audio or video recordings of any derogatory remarks made in the council. He stated that the Chairman would manage the situation, claiming that the government has fabricated a case against him, treating him like a terrorist.

“Once I receive the court documentation, I will provide a detailed account of the situation. I have not been able to sleep since Thursday, and I am currently experiencing a headache. Despite my complaint being supported by evidence, the police have failed to file an FIR regarding the attacks on me,” he asserted.

Currently, Ravi is in Ranebennur town, located in Haveri district. The police are anticipating court orders for his release. Sources indicate that he will be freed once directives are received from senior officials.

Meanwhile, celebrations erupted near the BJP headquarters in Bengaluru, as party members, including women, began dancing and setting off fireworks.

Conversely, the Congress party has scheduled a protest for Saturday in Belagavi to oppose C.T. Ravi's release. Supporters of Laxmi Hebbalkar have called for Ravi’s dismissal from the MLC position.

In a significant blow to the Congress administration in Karnataka, the High Court on Friday mandated the immediate release of BJP MLC C.T. Ravi, who had been arrested on accusations of making a ‘derogatory remark’ against Minister for Women and Child Welfare Laxmi Hebbalkar.

The bench, presided over by Justice M.G. Uma, issued an interim order instructing the police to release C.T. Ravi without delay. The court also requested C.T. Ravi to assist with the ongoing investigation.

The bench expressed dissatisfaction with both C.T. Ravi's and Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar's conduct.

C.T. Ravi's attorney, Sandeep Chowta, argued that both the accused and the complainant are legislators, and the allegations could potentially lead to a sentence of less than seven years in prison. He contended that the police should have provided notice and justified the arrest.

The attorney further stated that C.T. Ravi claimed he was assaulted by the police. He noted that the medical report did not adequately detail the treatment received. The report indicates that a scan was performed. The Chairperson of the Legislative Council mentioned that there is no evidence of the derogatory remark. Ravi’s arrest was unwarranted as he is a prominent figure in the Legislative Council and would not evade arrest.

Chaos ensued on Thursday during a heated discussion in the Legislative Council when C.T. Ravi allegedly referred to Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi as a 'drug addict'.

In response to these remarks, Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar condemned Ravi, labeling him a 'murderer'. In retaliation, the BJP leader purportedly used an obscene term directed at the female Minister.

C.T. Ravi was detained on allegations of using derogatory language against Minister for Women and Child Welfare, Laxmi Hebbalkar, during the Legislative Council session on Thursday.