C.T. Ravi demands judicial probe, alleging ‘plot to murder’

Sat Dec 21 12:14:22 UTC 2024: ## BJP Leader Ravi Accuses Karnataka Government of Attempted Murder Following Arrest

**Bengaluru, December 21, 2024** – Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLC C.T. Ravi has accused the Karnataka government of attempting to murder him, alleging a plot involving Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar. Ravi, released Friday evening after being arrested for allegedly using derogatory language against Hebbalkar, held a press conference Saturday detailing his claims.

Ravi stated that his arrest on Thursday in Belagavi was followed by what he described as “mental and physical torture,” including being driven through several districts and sugarcane fields throughout the night. He suspects this was an attempt on his life, citing constant police direction changes and attempts to seize his phone. He further alleged his phone was tapped and demanded a judicial probe into the entire incident, including police call records and phone tracking data.

He explicitly accused Shivakumar and Hebbalkar of orchestrating the events, stating, “My life is still under threat and I demand a judicial probe into this.” He also questioned the actions of the police in Belagavi, asking, “What does he think, is Belagavi a Banana Republic?” Ravi has demanded government protection, emphasizing that they would be held responsible should anything happen to him. The incident follows Ravi’s arrest for allegedly insulting Hebbalkar within the Legislative Council. The High Court of Karnataka intervened to secure his release on Friday.