Fri Dec 20 17:17:22 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka BJP Leader Granted Bail After Arrest for Allegedly Insulting Woman Minister

**Bengaluru, India** – Karnataka BJP leader C.T. Ravi was arrested Thursday for allegedly making derogatory remarks against a female Congress minister, Lakshmi Hebbalkar, but released on interim bail Friday evening. The arrest, made under the new Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (criminal law), followed Hebbalkar’s complaint alleging sexual harassment and insulting behavior during a heated legislative assembly session.

Ravi’s comments, reportedly targeting Hebbalkar after she defended Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, sparked a furious political clash. Hebbalkar claims Ravi used objectionable language towards her; Ravi denies the accusations, calling the arrest politically motivated and a “false case.” He claims he was not served a notice before his arrest, a violation of protocol, which the High Court acknowledged in granting him bail.

The incident ignited a war of words between the BJP and Congress. BJP leaders, including Opposition leader R. Ashoka, condemned the arrest, accusing the Congress government of “goondagiri” (hooliganism). BJP workers staged protests, while Congress workers attempted to breach Ravi’s home.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah defended the arrest, stating that the use of derogatory language towards women is unacceptable. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar echoed this sentiment, highlighting the context of the incident during a debate on Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s controversial remarks about B.R. Ambedkar. The arrest and subsequent bail have further fueled political tensions in the state.

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