BJP MLC C.T. Ravi files a complaint against unidentified supporters of Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar at Khanapur police station.
In Belagavi, BJP MLC C.T. Ravi is set to be presented before a special court for elected representatives in Bengaluru following his arrest on December 19, 2024. The arrest comes after he allegedly made derogatory remarks about Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar during an Assembly session.
A police officer indicated that authorities are considering introducing Mr. Ravi before a local magistrate before transferring him to Bengaluru by air.
Mr. Ravi demonstrated against the handling by city police, claiming he was being moved without proper notification. He sat in the road protesting and shouted slogans against law enforcement.
The BJP leader further accused the police of an attempt on his life, alleging he sustained injuries during a police encounter. However, police officials refuted these claims, stating that he had accidentally harmed himself while attempting to exit a police vehicle.
“When the vehicle approached Ramdurg, he attempted to leave, and in the process hit his forehead on the handle,” a police officer explained. Following the incident, he received first aid at a government hospital.
Charges of Sexual Assault
An arrest led by Assistant Commissioner of Police S.M. Satyanayak took place near Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi, concerning allegations of sexual assault and offensive comments towards a woman.
Ravi was then taken to the Hirebagewadi police station, where charges were filed against him under sections 75 and 79 of BNS.
“Given that the maximum penalty under BNS 79 is three years, the accused is eligible for station bail. However, section 75 remains non-bailable, potentially leading to his appearance before a magistrate,” a senior police official stated.
To prevent escalation, Mr. Ravi was transferred to Khanapur from Hirebagewadi due to significant public gatherings at the latter location. Members of the BJP, including MLCs and party activists, mobilized at the police station in solidarity.
After being escorted to Khanapur at night, a gathering of BJP leaders, including legislators, awaited Mr. Ravi’s arrival. Subsequently, he was taken to Ramdurg.
Additionally, Mr. Ravi has filed a complaint with the Khanapur police against unidentified individuals linked to Ms. Hebbalkar, asserting that they assaulted him with intentions to kill. He also named deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar and Channaraj Hattiholi, related to Ms. Hebbalkar, claiming threats to his life.
During a media briefing, he expressed frustration that although his complaint was accepted, no First Information Report was registered by police.
BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal accused the Belagavi police of overreach, suggesting political motivations behind Mr. Ravi’s arrest. “Police officers have taken the law into their own hands. They are acting to appease political superiors. The Belagavi Commissioner might be eyeing a higher position in Bengaluru. They will ultimately be held accountable for their actions, as there are still functioning courts in this country,” Mr. Yatnal remarked during a press interaction on the night of December 19.
Published – December 20, 2024 08:52 am IST
