CT Ravi slams police for 'violating' human rights
Belagavi (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka BJP MLC C T Ravi, who has been arrested for allegedly using a derogatory word against Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, on Friday accused the police of "violating" human rights, as he alleged that they took him on rounds the entire night to various places in the district.
The former BJP national general secretary, who had bandages on his head, even claimed that police were behaving on the directions of someone from the "top", as he hit out at the state government and the administration, calling it "dictatorial".
Based on the complaint lodged by Minister Hebbalkar, a case was registered against the BJP leader under sections 75 (sexual harassment) and 79 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, on Thursday.
Ravi allegedly used a derogatory word against Hebbalkar in the Legislative Council on Thursday, when the House was adjourned for a while.
"I have sustained injuries while in Khanapur (station). I have no clarity how. Without any humanity, without any consideration that I'm a legislator, the entire night I have been taken on rounds. They (police) have violated human rights. They are indulging in atrocities," Ravi told reporters.
Stating that in his 35 years of political life he has never seen such things, he said, "There is a dictatorial mindset. From Khanapur to where all they have taken me you see. Where is Savadatti, where is Ramadurga. They had taken me to Dharwad road and they are now taking me somewhere."
Alleging that police were getting directions time to time from the "top", Ravi said, "who is giving the directions, I don't know. They (police) are behaving accordingly. They too are helpless."
He said he had come to Belagavi to attend the session and his "caretaker" was Council Chairman. "There seems to be malintention of giving me mental torture. This is a conspiracy against me."
Pointing out the conduct of Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, Minister Hebbalkar, Ravi said he was publicly threatened.
"There were three attempts to attack me at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha. We have given this in writing to the Chairman and have taken endorsement. Later, we have also given everything in writing at Khanapur police station. Despite that there was no FIR...there is dictatorship here," he added.
A video of Ravi sitting on the street and questioning the police has surfaced.
"...are you planning to murder me? Why did you bring me here? Your intention is to murder me. Why are you taking me on rounds like this? From Khanapur to whereall you took me? Why are you doing this? Three hours after I sustained injury you gave me first aid," Ravi can be seen questioning police officials who were trying to convince him.
There are also visulas of police physically lifting Ravi and making him sit in the police vehicle.
Earlier, police sources had said, Ravi will be brought to Bengaluru and is scheduled to be produced before the people's representative court there on Friday. However, officials are yet to confirm on the next move.
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Meghalaya MP death: Assembly session for Feb 20 likely to be adjourned, says CM
Shillong (PTI): The Meghalaya assembly session for February 20, during which the state budget is scheduled to be presented, could be adjourned as a mark of respect to Shillong MP Ricky A J Syngkon, who died on Thursday evening, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said.
Syngkon reportedly collapsed while playing futsal on the outskits of the city, and doctors at a private hospital declared him dead around 8:45 pm.
"We have discussed with Deputy Chief Minister and in-charge of Parliamentary Affairs, Prestone Tynsong, and we will have a meeting tomorrow with the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) headed by the Speaker," Sangma told PTI.
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"I have communicated to the Deputy CM that it would be appropriate for the government not to go ahead with the proceedings of the House tomorrow. Even though tomorrow is the day we are supposed to present the budget, it will make absolute sense and a mark of respect to the departed soul if we were to postpone even the presentation of the budget," he said.
Sangma expressed shock over the sudden demise of Syngkon, recalling their recent meeting in Delhi where they discussed development plans for Meghalaya.
"I had met Syngkon about two weeks back in Delhi... that was the last meeting and conversation I had with him," the CM said.
Sangma recalled Syngkon's commitment and passion for the people of Khasi and Jaintia Hills, describing his demise as a "great loss for the state".
"Syngkon served the people with humility, vision and a sincere desire to uplift society. I express my deepest condolences to the family of late Ricky Syngkon, and I pray to the Almighty that he gives strength to the family members as well as his supporters and party leaders to bear the huge loss," the chief minister added.
