CT Ravi Claims Life Threat After Arrest Over Lakshmi Hebbalkar Remarks; Video Shows Head Injury

BJP MLC CT Ravi was arrested late Thursday night at Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi on charges of using derogatory language against Karnataka Minister for Women and Child Welfare Lakshmi Hebbalkar during a session of the Legislative Council. Following his arrest, the police reportedly transported Ravi between various stations overnight before keeping him in Belagavi district.

In a video statement recorded from a police station, Ravi claimed his life was under threat, alleging that the Congress government, particularly Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and Lakshmi Hebbalkar, was targeting him. "False news has been spread against me. Whatever happens to my life, it is their team that is responsible. They are behaving as if it's an Emergency," he said.

Ravi has since filed a counter-complaint at Khanapur police station, alleging a conspiracy to murder him. During his time in custody, a bloodstain was seen on his forehead, which he attributed to an attempt to escape after allegedly being mistreated.

BJP Accuses Congress of Misuse of Power

Leader of Opposition R Ashoka accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of turning the police into a political tool. "Ravi was tortured and sustained injuries while in custody. This government is misusing its power, and Karnataka is now witnessing 'goondaraj.' We will stage protests tomorrow," Ashoka stated.

Advocate Chetan, representing Ravi, echoed similar concerns. He claimed that Ravi was denied legal counsel for over an hour and faced death threats. "A complaint was drafted, but the police refused to register it, even as a zero FIR. This is high-handedness," he said, adding that the BJP plans to raise the issue in the assembly and approach the National Human Rights Commission.

Belagavi City Police Commissioner Lada Martin declined to reveal CT Ravi's next location, citing law and order concerns. He denied allegations of misconduct, stating that the police acted as per protocol.

The incident follows heightened political tensions in Karnataka. Ravi's arrest stemmed from a complaint filed by Congress leaders alleging that Ravi had used an "obscene word" against Hebbalkar after calling Congress leader Rahul Gandhi a "drug addict" during a heated exchange.

In response, Ravi dismissed the allegations as baseless, stating, "It is the Congress's habit to make false accusations. They did it against Amit Shah, and now they are doing the same to me."

The BJP has vowed to continue protests, accusing the Congress government of orchestrating a vendetta. Meanwhile, Ravi remains in police custody as his supporters demand justice.