Karnataka: BJP Protests MLC CT Ravi’s Arrest, Alleges Mistreatment
20 Dec 2024 10:50 PM IST20 Dec 2024 10:50 PM IST
Karnataka BJP MLC CT Ravi. (Photo: X)
Belagavi: MLC CT Ravi, arrested on Thursday for his alleged derogatory remarks against Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, has questioned the arrest and him being taken to various places while in custody.
“This is a dictatorship,” Ravi told reporters.
He also expressed his concerns on social media platform X, stating:
“The Karnataka police took three hours to provide first aid for the head injury I sustained while in custody. Now, for the past five to six hours, they have been making me sit in the police vehicle and driving me around aimlessly. They are stopping the vehicle in desolate areas and engaging in phone conversations, seemingly plotting something. If anything happens to me, the police department and the Congress government will be solely responsible.”
Advocate MB Zirali, who represented Ravi in 5th Additional JMFC in Belagavi, told reporters that the arrest was unwarranted.
“The accused is a nominated member of the Legislative Council, and the incident occurred within the Council premises. Under Article 194 of the Constitution, legislative assemblies and councils are privileged areas. The Speaker of the House is the authority in such matters, and no decision or statement was made by the Speaker regarding the incident. Unfortunately, Ravi was taken into custody yesterday at 6:30 pm,” Zirali said.
He further alleged that Ravi was taken to multiple places, including Khanapur, Bailhongal, Ramdurg, Kittur, Savadatti, Dharwad, and Lokapur.
“Throughout the night, he was neither provided food and he sustained head injury. His health has deteriorated, and he has been emotionally blackmailed,” Zirali added.
Condemning Ravi’s arrest, the BJP staged a protest in Belagavi on Friday. Addressing the gathering, BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra criticized the Congress government for its actions.
“The Congress government in Karnataka has facilitated an attack on CT Ravi by Congress goons inside Suvarna Soudha,” Vijayendra alleged.
He accused the government of selectively targeting opposition leaders. “You unleash lathi charges on farmers and the Panchamasali community. Ignoring the Speaker’s ruling, you allowed an attack on CT Ravi and later had him arrested by the police,” he said.
Vijayendra also highlighted what he called Ravi’s mistreatment. “He was forced to travel throughout the night, being taken to various locations. Such harassment of public representatives by this government is being questioned by the people. Congress is a party that murders democracy,” he said.
Recalling Congress's history, Vijayendra said, “The Congress party disregarded the law and Constitution by imposing the Emergency in the past. Now, they have allowed the police to assault CT Ravi, causing serious injuries. Despite him bleeding from the head, he was not taken to the hospital,” he claimed.
Vijayendra alleged that Ravi was neither given water nor food during his custody.
Accusing the police of acting under Congress's influence, Vijayendra warned Chief Minister Siddaramaiah:
“Power is not permanent. The arrogance and high-handedness you display while in power will not last forever. Your actions will not be forgotten.”
The protest was attended by Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, Deputy Leader Aravind Bellad, State General Secretary Sunil Kumar, and other BJP leaders.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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