MLC CT Ravi Arrested After Heated Exchange With Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar
By : Gururaj A Paniyadi
Update: 2024-12-19 18:43 GMT
BELAGAVI:In a dramatic turn of events at the Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi, MLC CT Ravi was arrested following a complaint lodged by Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, accusing him of using derogatory language against her during a heated exchange in the Legislative Council on Thursday.
According to the complaint filed at the Bagewadi Police Station, CT Ravi allegedly used offensive language and made obscene gestures towards Hebbalkar.
The police registered an FIR under Sections 75 (Sexual Harassment) and 79 (words, gestures, or acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman). While the FIR was lodged at 5 pm, the police arrested Ravi immediately.
The arrest followed a tense argument in the session, which witnessed sharp exchanges between Congress and BJP leaders over the controversial statement made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Congress members, in protest, carried portraits of Dr BR Ambedkar, while BJP leaders responded by confronting the opposition.
Amid the political drama, tensions escalated between CT Ravi and Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar. Ravi’s criticism of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi triggered a rebuttal from Hebbalkar, who reportedly took offense at his remarks and attacked him over an old incident. It is at this point that Ravi is said to have used an offensive word towards Hebbalkar, sparking outrage among Congress leaders.
MLCs Umashree, Yatindra Siddharamaiah, and BK Hariprasad, present during the session, condemned Ravi’s alleged remarks.
Outside the Suvarna Soudha, Hebbalkar’s supporters gathered in protest, demanding action against the alleged verbal attack. The police swiftly intervened, dispersing the crowd and ensuring no disruption of law and order.
Meanwhile, the aides of Hebbalkar and her MLC brother Channaraj Hattiholi, confronted Ravi in the corridor after the session. Sources suggest they attempted to attack him, but BJP MLC Kishore and marshals quickly intervened, preventing further escalation. Video footage captured the aides moving towards Ravi, marshals stopping them and the aides kicking the gates and attempting to push past marshals to reach Ravi.
Ravi, visibly agitated by the incident, staged a protest, criticizing the security arrangements for elected representatives.
"If this is the kind of security provided to us, what can the common people expect?" he questioned, describing the altercation as a "deliberate attack."
He also claimed that he did not use any derogatory words against Laxmi Hebbalkar.
"I do not know why they (Congress leaders) feel that I used that word," he added.
As Ravi protested his arrest, police officers escorted him into custody, while BJP leaders who rallied in his support were also detained.