Sat Dec 21 15:26:13 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka Minister Accuses BJP Leader of Abuse, Assault; Leader Arrested
**Bengaluru, [Date]** – Karnataka Minister for Women and Child Development, Laxmi Hebbalkar, has accused BJP leader C.T. Ravi of verbally abusing and insulting her during a recent Legislative Council session. Ravi was arrested Thursday evening following Hebbalkar’s complaint and charged under sections 75 and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, relating to sexual harassment and insulting a woman’s modesty.
The incident reportedly stemmed from a debate on Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s comments regarding B.R. Ambedkar. Hebbalkar alleges that Ravi repeatedly referred to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as a “drug addict,” prompting her to confront him. She further accused Ravi of involvement in a 2019 car accident that resulted in three fatalities, which allegedly triggered a tirade of abusive language from Ravi.
Hebbalkar, while declining to repeat the exact words used, described the language as deeply offensive and unacceptable, stating Ravi used the abusive term repeatedly. She criticized the silence of other BJP members, comparing their inaction to that of the blind king Dhritarashtra from the Mahabharata. While acknowledging some private apologies from BJP members, she noted a lack of public condemnation.
Hebbalkar defended her own response, stating she called Ravi a “killer” in retaliation for his repeated attacks. She maintains that video and audio recordings, as well as social media footage, support her claims. The Minister expressed concern that such incidents discourage women from entering public life, despite the hard work and dedication required to reach positions of leadership.
Ravi denies the allegations, calling them “false.” Hebbalkar, despite expressing emotional distress, stated she remains undeterred and confident that justice will prevail, citing the support of her family. The incident has sparked a significant political controversy in Karnataka.
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