The Karnataka High Court granted bail to BJP leader CT Ravi, arrested over derogatory comments made against Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar. The judge highlighted procedural flaws in his detention. Ravi’s comments fueled political tensions, with the BJP accusing the Congress government of dictatorship, while Congress leaders supported Hebbalkar’s claims. The case intensifies ongoing political divides in Karnataka.
Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court on Friday granted bail to BJP leader CT Ravi, following his arrest in a ‘derogatory remarks’ case filed by Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar. Justice MG Uma issued an interim order for his release, highlighting procedural issues surrounding his detention.
Ravi’s arrest stemmed from allegations related to comments he made during a Karnataka Legislative Assembly session. Speaking after his release, Ravi said,
“Our custodian clearly said and gave ruling a false case was filed against me and they treated me like a terrorist… This High Court order [sends a] clear message that we all must follow law.”
Arrest and Political Fallout
Ravi was brought to Bengaluru and presented before the People’s Representative Court earlier on Friday. The Hirebagewadi police sought a transit warrant, which was granted. Following his arrest, Ravi accused the Congress-led Siddaramaiah government of acting like “dictators.”
“They (state government) have acted like dictators… dictatorship will not last long,”
he remarked, echoing the BJP’s stance against the state government.
Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai criticized the state police, stating,
“There is a Police Raj in Karnataka… Investigation must be done, truth must come out, and then action must be taken.“
Lakshmi Hebbalkar Responds
Karnataka Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, who filed the complaint, accused CT Ravi of using “derogatory words” against her. She recounted,
“After completing the protest, I was sitting quietly… CT Ravi called Rahul Gandhi a drug addict. In response, I asked, ‘Even you have been in accidents—does that make you a murderer?'”
She alleged Ravi used abusive language during the session, adding,
“I am also a mother. People look up to me, and I hope thousands are inspired to enter politics because of me.”
Congress Leadership Weighs In
Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar supported Hebbalkar’s claims, alleging Ravi repeatedly insulted her. “He called her ‘prostitute’ several times… He used the word 12 times,” Shivakumar said, adding that evidence would be provided to the media.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also condemned the BJP for supporting Ravi. He questioned,
“Why was he arrested if it is false that CT Ravi used vulgar language? Women do not normally file false complaints in such cases.”
BJP’s Protests and Counter-Claims
The BJP launched statewide protests condemning Ravi’s arrest. Party workers organized a bandh in Chikkamagaluru, accusing the Congress government of political targeting. “Protests will be held across the state… The treatment of CT Ravi was unpardonable,” said BJP State President Vijayendra.
Ravi, meanwhile, filed a counter-complaint at the Khanapura police station, accusing Congress leaders, including Hebbalkar and DK Shivakumar, of attempting to harm him.
High Court Bail Adds Momentum to BJP’s Resistance
With Ravi’s release, the BJP is poised to intensify its campaign against the Congress government in Karnataka. The case underscores growing political tensions in the state, as both parties trade allegations amid high-stakes protests and legal proceedings.
This high-profile episode highlights the ongoing political divide in Karnataka, with both sides using the incident to rally their supporters. As the BJP escalates its resistance, the Congress faces growing scrutiny over its handling of the case and allegations of police misuse.
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