The Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Karnataka MLC CT Ravi has been granted interim bail by the Karnataka High Court after his arrest for allegedly abusing Karnataka minister Laxmi Hebbalkar.
The High Court noted that a medical recommendation for a CT scan was issued for Ravi following a head injury, raising concerns about his treatment in custody.
“The Speaker of the Council stated that no such words (allegedly abusive language towards Hebbalkar) were uttered. Even if the incident occurred, it is unfortunate that the police manhandled the petitioner,” the court observed.
Highlighting the need for proper procedure, the court accepted Ravi’s plea, stating, “As a sitting MLC and public representative, the possibility of him absconding is negligible.” The court’s order was handed directly to the investigating officer, expediting the process. Ravi will be released once the order is received.
Simultaneously, the Special Court for People’s Representatives has reserved its decision on Ravi’s bail petition for tomorrow. However, the High Court’s ruling will override any conflicting orders.
Ravi, on his part, accused the Karnataka government of targetting him, claiming he was subjected to harassment following his arrest at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi. According to Ravi, he was transported to multiple locations, including police stations in Khanapur and Ram Durga, and made to travel across districts overnight.
Ravi further alleged that he was denied proper rest, only being allowed to freshen up at a resort the following morning before undergoing a mandatory medical check-up. He was later presented before the Judicial Magistrate in Belagavi and subsequently transferred to Bengaluru.
The incident has sparked sharp criticism from the BJP, with Ravi and party leaders condemning the handling of the case.
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