C T Ravi's bail: It's a slap on Karnataka government's face, says B Y Vijayendra

The state BJP chief said the Karnataka High Court has made serious observations about the incident.

Davengere: State BJP President B Y Vijayendra said that Karnataka High Court has literally slapped the Congress-led government in the state by granting interim bail to the MLC C T Ravi and took exception to the manner in which he was arrested.

Addressing media persons, here on Friday, he said, "The court has made serious observations about the incident. It had even remarked that the arrest of Ravi was illegal as notice was not issued to him for his alleged derogatory remark against the minister Laxmi Hebbalkar.

"The BJP MLC was treated as if he is a terrorist and also like an animal. The country hasn't witnessed such an incident in the past. The court's order is a clear slap on the 'Hitler-government' in Karnataka," he added while making it clear that it was a clear violation of human right and the next step would be decided after consulting the leaders.

He also demanded the immediate arrest of those who barged into the Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi and allegedly attacked the MLC. Police, who were under immense pressure, was not ready to take the complaint given by Ravi, who served as BJP National General Secretary.

"There was a political conspiracy and if it is the case of an elected representative. What about the common people?," Vijayendra, who is also Shikaripur MLA questioned.

Ravi thanks partymen

Meanwhile Ravi thanked party leaders, MPs, common workers for extending support to him

"I was made to travel four districts covering 50 villages in a police vehicle for about 11 hours after the arrest on December 19. It was aimed at harassing me mentally and physically using the police force. But I will not budge. I have experienced police power 35 years ago. Truth will win over false," Ravi said.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in Legislative Assembly R Ashoka stated that Ravi was targetted only because he is a Hindu leader.

"The state government did not arrest those who had raised slogans in favour of Pakistan in the Vidhana Soudha immediately. They were arrested only after the Forensic science laboratory confirmed it. But Ravi, who served as minister, BJP National General Secretary, was arrested immediately without evening issuing notice," Ashoka said.

Referring to the allegation, Ashoka said it must be proved and the court must convict him of committing the mistake. "We will follow the legal procedure."

Recalling the incident, he said he was not permitted to lodge a complaint at Khanapura police station after Ravi was arrested. "Is it not an insult to the leader of the opposition?. I waited for five 5 hours outside the police station. Police commissioner was talking to the ministers over the phone. Investigation officer is the supreme, neither minister, nor commissioner control the office. The MLC was taken to a forest area and harassed mentally and physically," he charged.

He also demanded the Congress ministers to step down from their positions if they have any shame.

"Nothing is above the court. The immediate arrest of BJP MLC Ravi is a black mark in the history of Indian politics," Ashoka added.