CT Ravi alleges conspiracy amid arrest, Karnataka BJP calls for statewide protests

Chikkamagaluru: BJP leader CT Ravi, arrested over alleged derogatory remarks against Congress minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, has accused the Karnataka police and Congress government of conspiring against him. In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Ravi claimed he was subjected to neglect and mistreatment while in police custody.

"The Karnataka police took three hours to administer first aid to a man who sustained a head injury in custody. Now, he has been sitting in a police vehicle and driving around for five to six hours," Ravi wrote, alleging that officers were "plotting something" in a deserted area.

State BJP chief BY Vijayendra condemned the government's handling of the situation, accusing the police of acting under pressure from Congress leaders. Vijayendra described the treatment of Ravi as "unpardonable," likening it to actions during the Emergency period. He announced statewide protests in district headquarters, demanding justice and accountability.

Ravi also filed a counter-complaint, alleging an attempt to kill him by Congress leaders, including DK Shivakumar and Lakshmi Hebbalkar. He claimed the police refused to register his complaint or file a zero FIR, intensifying his fears of foul play.

The incident followed Ravi’s arrest on Thursday from the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha premises. He was charged with making derogatory remarks against Karnataka’s women and child development minister, Laxmi Hebbalkar. Accused of sexual harassment under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Ravi has denied the allegations, dismissing them as "false." The arrest occurred amid heightened tensions between ruling and opposition parties over remarks perceived as insulting to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

The BJP has rallied behind Ravi, accusing the Congress of political vendetta. The party vowed to escalate protests if the alleged perpetrators are not held accountable, describing the incident as a "direct attack on democracy." (ANI)