Introduction: 5 Shocking Moments from CT Ravi’s Arrest Over ‘Prostitute’ Remark in Karnataka
Bengaluru witnessed high drama as police stormed the legislature, hauling BJP leader C.T. Ravi away on their shoulders in full view of the media. This real-life event unfolded during and after Ravi’s arrest at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha, Karnataka’s legislature building. Here are five shocking moments from the incident that have left the state in turmoil.
1. Dramatic Arrest and Claims of Threat
The high drama continued into the early hours of Friday, with Ravi, the former national general secretary of the BJP, claiming that his life was under threat. His arrest on Thursday from the premises of the state legislature in Belagavi came after he allegedly referred to Karnataka’s Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar as a “prostitute.”
Around 1.30 am, Ravi recorded a video message in front of a jail cell, claiming he was being treated worse than a criminal. He stated, “At 8 pm, I was brought to Khanapur Police Station, but they are not telling me the sections under which I have been charged. The police have not registered my complaint for several hours now…I asked them to file a ‘zero’ FIR, but they are not doing it. They are now plotting to take me to another place and I don’t know where. My life is under threat.”
Read more about the legal implications of such arrests on Hindustan Times.
2. Injuries and Street Protest
A few hours later, the BJP released pictures of Ravi receiving treatment for a head injury, with blood streaming down his face. He later staged a protest in the middle of the street—likely while being taken to another location—reiterating his claim that his life was under threat.
Check out Times of India’s coverage of the incident.
3. Heated Exchanges in the Legislative Council
The BJP and Congress clashed inside the ongoing winter session of the Karnataka legislature in Belagavi over remarks made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding B.R. Ambedkar. Shah’s comments in the Rajya Sabha sparked widespread protests across the country, and the impact was felt in Congress-ruled Karnataka.
In the Legislative Council, heated exchanges prompted House Chairman Basavaraj Horatti to adjourn the session for 10 minutes. During this time, Ravi was seen holding a picture of Ambedkar while arguing with Lakshmi Hebbalkar. It is alleged that she called him a “murderer,” and Ravi reportedly called Congress leader Rahul Gandhi a “drug addict.” Ravi is then heard using the term “prostitute” multiple times.
4. Legal and Constitutional Implications
At least one FIR, filed based on Hebbalkar’s complaint, details the specific derogatory comment allegedly made by Ravi. He has been booked under section 75 (sexual harassment) and 79 (words/gestures used to outrage the modesty of a woman) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Constitutional experts have said that members of the legislative are protected under privilege against being charged for any comments made during the course of a debate on the floor of the house. However, the remarks were made when the house was adjourned, and the chairman was not presiding on his seat.
For more details on the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, refer to India.gov.in.
5. Political Fallout and Conspiracy Claims
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that Ravi’s remarks amounted to sexual assault. He tweeted, “A member of the Legislative Council @CTRavi_BJP used obscene language towards a minister @laxmi_hebbalkar, which is a criminal offence. Lakshmi Hebbalkar has complained to the Speaker and the police in this regard. Let’s see what legal action will be taken.”
The BJP called it a ‘well-oiled conspiracy’ to deflect attention from the corruption allegations against Siddaramaiah. The incident has also given the BJP a chance to put up a united front after several months of growing factionalism. BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra has rushed to Belagavi to back Ravi, a vocal detractor of the B.S. Yediyurappa family.
Conclusion
The arrest of C.T. Ravi has sparked a political storm in Karnataka, with both the BJP and Congress trading accusations. The high drama and shocking moments from the incident have left the state in turmoil, highlighting the intense political rivalry and the challenges faced by lawmakers.
Also read https://freshnewsindia.com/category/politics/
FAQs
Q1: What led to C.T. Ravi’s arrest in Karnataka? C.T. Ravi was arrested after allegedly referring to Karnataka’s Women and Child Development Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar as a “prostitute” during a heated exchange in the Legislative Council.
Q2: What were the legal charges against C.T. Ravi? Ravi has been booked under section 75 (sexual harassment) and 79 (words/gestures used to outrage the modesty of a woman) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Q3: How did C.T. Ravi respond to his arrest? Ravi claimed that his life was under threat and that he was being treated worse than a criminal. He recorded a video message and staged a protest, reiterating his claims.
