Fri Dec 20 11:52:55 UTC 2024: ## BJP MLC Arrested for Allegedly Using Derogatory Language Against Congress Minister

**Bengaluru, Dec 20, 2024** – Karnataka BJP MLC C.T. Ravi was arrested Thursday for allegedly using sexually derogatory language against Congress Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar during a heated session of the Legislative Council at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha. An FIR was filed against Ravi under sections 75 (sexual harassment) and 79 (insulting a woman’s modesty) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, following Hebbalkar’s complaint.

The incident, which occurred after the House adjourned, escalated tensions during an already contentious Winter Session marked by clashes between the BJP and Congress. While reports suggest derogatory remarks about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi by some BJP members may have preceded the altercation, it remains unclear if Ravi himself made those comments.

Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah witnessed the exchange, confirming Ravi’s use of offensive language towards Hebbalkar. Hebbalkar described feeling humiliated and deeply affected by the repeated use of the derogatory term. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also condemned the incident, characterizing it as sexual harassment.

Ravi, in a video statement released Friday, denied wrongdoing and criticized his treatment by police, alleging their actions resembled those from India’s Emergency period. He also accused Congress leaders D.K. Shivakumar and Hebbalkar of being responsible for anything that might happen to him. Shivakumar, in turn, questioned the police’s leniency towards Ravi, allowing a gathering of BJP leaders at the police station where he was detained.

While Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti initiated an investigation by reviewing video and audio recordings, sources confirmed that recording had stopped after the House adjourned. The incident has further inflamed political tensions in Karnataka, with both parties engaged in a war of accusations.

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