Belagavi: Former Karnataka minister and BJP MLC CT Ravi was arrested from Suvarna Vidhana Soudha premises on Thursday on charges of making derogatory remarks against Karnataka women and child development minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, in perhaps first such arrest in recent years marking a low in the legislative history of Karnataka.
Ravi, who had earlier served as BJP’s national general secretary in charge of Tamil Nadu, was taken into police custody shortly after Hebbalkar filed her complaint and an FIR was registered. Ravi was taken in a police van to the nearest police station and later shifted to the Khanapur station, 25km from the city, for security reasons.
The senior BJP leader has been booked for sexual harassment, and using word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Ravi has denied the allegations, calling them “false”.
The controversy erupted around 1pm following an adjournment of the house due to a heated altercation between ruling and opposition parties over a remark allegedly made by Union home minister Amit Shah insulting Dr BR Ambedkar. As tensions rose between the two sides, Ravi allegedly directed a sexually abusive remark at Hebbalkar.
An upset Hebbalkar approached council chairman Basavaraj Horatti seeking action. Several Congress members claimed to have witnessed Ravi making derogatory comments repeatedly during the altercation.
Ravi said “let the audio and videos (of the alleged remark) get verified. I’m not someone who will abuse someone personally. I don’t know why she felt that way.” Some BJP members alleged the altercation began when Hebbalkar called Ravi a “murderer”.
The situation escalated further when Hebbalkar’s supporters, led by her personal assistant, attempted to confront Ravi in Soudha. The marshals quickly locked the corridor gates, preventing physical confrontation.
BJP members accused Hebbalkar’s supporters of attempting to assault Ravi, prompting the MLC and his party colleagues stage a protest in the corridor of the house. BJP MLC DS Arun also filed a complaint with the chairman, claiming at around 3pm, after lunch, unidentified individuals tried to attack Ravi as he was returning to his car.
The legislative council was later adjourned sine die.
In the assembly, Speaker UT Khader referred Congress MLA Sharat Bachhegowda’s complaint against Ravi to the privilege committee. Congress members argued that Ravi had insulted a member of the assembly, demanding swift action, while BJP members opposed the motion, asserting that Ravi, not being an assembly member, did not violate any privileges. The Speaker upheld Congress’s plea, referring the matter to the committee.
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The allegations are false. Let audio and videos (of the alleged remark) get verified. I’m not someone who will abuse someone personally. I don’t know why she felt that way
CT Ravi | BJP MLC
It is a criminal offence and sexual harassment. Since (minister Laxmi) Hebbalkar has approached the council chairman and police, let us see what action they take
Siddaramaiah | CM
In my long term as a legislator, I’ve never seen or heard any member making disrespectful remarks against women. The alleged word used by Ravi does not bring dignity. No woman in public would unnecessarily come forward accusing someone of using disrespectful words
Basavaraj Horatti | chairman, legislative council
